Palmar digital neurectomy in 24 horses using the guillotine technique.
Abstract: To determine the effectiveness and incidence of complications of palmar digital neurectomy using the guillotine technique in horses presented for lameness originating from sites innervated by these nerves. Methods: Retrospective study of 24 clinical cases. Methods: Twenty-four horses undergoing a palmar digital nerve neurectomy between June 1997 and June 2001. Methods: The records of all horses undergoing a uniaxial or biaxial, unilateral or bilateral neurectomy during the defined time period were retrieved. Information retrieved from the record included breed, age, gender, discipline for which the horse was used, history, results of lameness examination, results of perineural anaesthesia, radiographic findings, surgery report, postoperative care, complications and outcome. Results: Seventeen geldings and seven female horses of mixed breeds, ranging in age from 1 to 16 years, that were used for a variety of non-racing, but competitive, athletic disciplines, underwent neurectomy using the guillotine technique during the specified time period. In 23 horses perineural anaesthesia was performed at the University Veterinary Centre to isolate the lameness. Anaesthesia resolved lameness in 18 horses. In five horses there was some residual lameness isolated to sites remote from the distal extremity. The most common radiographic finding was an increase in the number and or size of the synovial fossae of the navicular bone. Twenty-two horses underwent bilateral biaxial neurectomies and two horses with painful trauma-induced neuromas underwent unilateral, uniaxial neurectomy. There were no postoperative complications. All horses were rested for 3 months before returning to work. At least 1 year after surgery, 22 horses were in full work and two horses were not in work because of unrelated problems. Of the horses in work, 17 were considered free of lameness. The other five were competing, but receiving medication for residual lameness associated with sites remote from the distal extremity. Conclusions: Results of this study suggested that palmar digital neurectomy using the guillotine technique provided reliable and consistent resolution of lameness originating from sites innervated by these nerves. There were no significant complications.
Publication Date: 2004-04-16 PubMed ID: 15084051DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2003.tb11545.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research explores the effectiveness of using the guillotine technique for palmar digital neurectomy on horses presented for lameness. The results indicate that the technique provides consistent resolution of lameness with no significant complications.
Methods of the Study
- The researchers carried out a retrospective study on 24 horses that underwent a palmar digital nerve neurectomy between June 1997 and June 2001.
- Data was collected from records of all horses undergoing a uniaxial or biaxial, unilateral or bilateral neurectomy during this span. The gathered information included breed, age, gender, purpose, history, results of lameness examination, effects of perineural anaesthesia, radiographic findings, surgery report, postoperative care, complications, and outcome.
Results Obtained
- A total of seventeen geldings (castrated male horses) and seven mares (female horses) of different breeds, aged between 1 to 16 years, and primarily used for competitive, athletic disciplines, were treated using the guillotine technique within the said time period.
- Anaesthesia resolved lameness in 18 out of 23 horses in which perineural anaesthesia was performed. In remaining five horses, there was some remaining lameness traced to areas distant from the lower extremity.
- Radiographic examination usually revealed an increase in the number or size of the synovial fossae of the navicular bone. This is a common finding indicative of degenerative bone changes and potential lameness sources.
- None of the horses experienced any postoperative complications. Following surgery, all horses were rested for three months before being reintroduced to work.
- At least one year after the procedure, 22 horses were fully functional and back to work, whereas two were idle due to unrelated problems. Among those working, 17 were considered free of lameness while the remaining five were competing but on medication for residual lameness linked with areas distant from the lower extremity.
Conclusions Derived
- The researchers concluded that the palmar digital neurectomy using the guillotine technique was successful in reliably and consistently resolving lameness originating from sites innervated by the palmar digital nerves.
- The absence of postoperative complications further supports the effectiveness and safety of this surgical approach for treating lameness in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Matthews S, Dart AJ, Dowling BA.
(2004).
Palmar digital neurectomy in 24 horses using the guillotine technique.
Aust Vet J, 81(7), 402-405.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2003.tb11545.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University Veterinary Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Werombi Road, Camden, New South Wales 2570.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Foot Diseases / surgery
- Foot Diseases / veterinary
- Forelimb / innervation
- Forelimb / surgery
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / surgery
- Male
- Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
- Neurosurgical Procedures / veterinary
- Peripheral Nerves / surgery
- Postoperative Complications
- Records / veterinary
- Retrospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Amari M, Brioschi FA, Auletta L, Ravasio G. Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation and Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment for Chronic Lameness Due to Distal Forelimb Disease in Horses: A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2025 Aug 10;15(16).
- Amari M, Rabbogliatti V, Ravasio G, Auletta L, Brioschi FA, Riccaboni P, Dell'Aere S, Roccabianca P. Development of an ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation technique in the equine cadaveric distal limb: histological findings and potential for treating chronic lameness. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1437989.
- Larsen EA, Williams MR, Schoonover MJ, Jurek KA, Young JM, Duddy HR. Navicular bone fracture and severe deep digital flexor tendinopathy after palmar digital neurectomy in two horses. Open Vet J 2023 Dec;13(12):1752-1759.
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