Podotrochlear bursa endoscopy in the horse: a cadaver study.
Abstract: To evaluate podotrochlear bursa (navicular bursa) endoscopy as a diagnostic technique in horses and to correlate observations to radiographic and pathologic findings. Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: Seventeen equine cadaver forelimbs. Methods: Five standard radiographic views of the navicular region and a bursographic study with lateromedial and caudal tangential radiographic views were taken of each forelimb. Radiographic scoring of the navicular bone (0, excellent; 1, good; 2, fair; 3, poor) was performed using a previously reported technique. Endoscopic examination was performed using a 30 degrees wide-angle forward oblique-viewing, 4-mm outside diameter (OD), arthroscope. Four examiners using recorded videotapes made independent evaluations of bursal endoscopy. The specimens were then dissected and examined to verify radiographic and endoscopic findings. Results: The distribution of radiographic scores (RS) were 0 (5 limbs), 1 (7), 2 (2), and 3 (3). Abnormal endoscopic findings (fibrillation of the deep digital flexor tendon, a defect in the navicular bone fibrocartilage, and synovial hyperplasia) were identified in 3 limbs (2 with an RS of 1, and 1 with an RS of 3). The endoscopic observations made in the two RS 1 bursae were not confirmed on gross examination, whereas they were in the RS 3 specimen, which also had the only abnormal bursogram. Evaluation of the bursa on the side ipsilateral to the arthroscope portal was difficult. Complications of the technique included inadvertent penetration of the distal interphalangeal joint and the digital sheath, and superficial scoring of the navicular bone fibrocartilage. Conclusions: Podotrochlear bursa endoscopy is feasible and may be a useful technique in identifying early abnormalities associated with podotrochleosis. Conclusions: In horses with podotrochleosis, endoscopic examination of the podotrochlear bursa may improve identification of pathologic changes within the bursa.
Copyright 2001 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Publication Date: 2001-11-13 PubMed ID: 11704949DOI: 10.1053/jvet.2001.28424Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study investigates the use of podotrochlear bursa endoscopy, a diagnostic technique, in horses by examining its correlation with radiographic and pathological findings.
Study Methods
- The study featured seventeen equine cadaver forelimbs. From these, five standard radiographic views of the navicular region (part of the forelimb) were taken along with a bursographic study, which is a specific kind of X-ray for this area.
- The health of the navicular bone was rated on a scale from 0, which is excellent, to 3, which is poor, using a previously established method.
- An endoscopic examination was conducted using a particular type of arthroscope (a piece of medical equipment commonly used to visualize, diagnose and treat problems in joints).
Results
- The study presented varied results in terms of the radiographic scores. Five limbs showed excellent health while seven indicated good health. Two were fair, and three limbs were classified as being in poor health.
- The three limbs with abnormal findings through endoscopy turned up issues such as fibrillation of the deep digital flexor tendon, a defect in the navicular bone fibrocartilage, and synovial hyperplasia.
- Of these, the two with a good radiographic score did not have their endoscopic findings confirmed through dissection and examination. However, in the limb with a poor radiographic score, the findings were confirmed, and it was also the only one with an abnormal bursogram.
- The study found that examining the bursa on the same side as the arthroscope portal was difficult. There were also some complications during the procedure like unintentional penetration of the distal interphalangeal joint and the digital sheath.
Conclusion
- The study concludes that, despite some complications, podotrochlear bursa endoscopy is a feasible procedure and could be valuable for spotting early irregularities associated with podotrochleosis, a condition that affects the navicular apparatus of horses.
- Endoscopy could enhance the identification of pathological changes within the bursa in horses with podotrochleosis.
Cite This Article
APA
Cruz AM, Pharr JW, Bailey JV, Barber SM, Fretz PB.
(2001).
Podotrochlear bursa endoscopy in the horse: a cadaver study.
Vet Surg, 30(6), 539-545.
https://doi.org/10.1053/jvet.2001.28424 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthroscopy / methods
- Arthroscopy / veterinary
- Bursa, Synovial / pathology
- Cadaver
- Female
- Forelimb
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Joint Diseases / pathology
- Joint Diseases / veterinary
- Ligaments, Articular / pathology
- Male
- Radiography
- Scaphoid Bone / pathology
- Tendons / pathology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Kane-Smyth J, Taylor SE, García EC, Reardon RJ. Frequency of Penetration of the Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath and Distal Interphalangeal Joint Using a Direct Endoscopic Approach to the Navicular Bursa in Horses.. Vet Surg 2016 Apr;45(3):380-5.
- Scandella M, Lazzaretti SS, De Zani D, Cassano M, Zani DD, Ravasio G, Gualtieri M. Tenoscopy of the navicular bursa: a new therapeutic approach for horses affected by "palmar pain syndrome." Endoscopic technique review and personal experiences.. Vet Res Commun 2010 Jun;34 Suppl 1:S125-9.
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