Pull-through technique for palmar digital neurectomy: forty-one horses (1998-2004).

This research paper examines the effectiveness of the pull-through technique (PT) in performing palmar digital neurectomy (PDN) on horses suffering from navicular syndrome (NS). The study found that a year after the PDN surgery, 88% of the horses were free of lameness, averaging survival without lameness post-surgery at 4.14 years.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• The goal of the study was to assess the outcome of horses treated for navicular syndrome using the pull-through technique for palmar digital neurectomy.
• The researchers conducted a retrospective review of medical records of 41 horses diagnosed with NS that did not respond to conservative management. These horses had received the PDN using the PT technique on a unilateral or bilateral basis on forelimbs.
• The data was gathered over a period from 1998 to 2002 and the outcomes of the treatment were tracked for up to 6 years post-surgery. This information was gathered through either telephone questionnaires or lameness examination.
• Survival analysis, a statistical method, was used to assess the time to recurrence of lameness in the horses.

Results of the Study

• The results showed that 88% of the horses, or 36 out of 41, were free of lameness one year post-surgery.
• The average survival time without lameness after the surgery was estimated at 4.14 years, with a median of 5 years. The median survival time is the point at which half the horses have experienced recurrence of lameness and half have not.

Conclusions of the Study

• The PT-PDN technique resulted in successful treatment, with 88% of horses achieving soundness for at least one year post-surgery.
• Additionally, the PT-PDN was straightforward to perform without the need for specialized equipment. It also displayed a low incidence of complications, making it an efficient and reliable method for PDN.
• The researchers concluded that the PT technique is an effective and viable alternative surgical method for PDN in horses suffering from NS.