Radiofrequency Probe and Sharp Transection for Tenoscopic-Guided Desmotomy of the Accessory Ligament of the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon.

The study compares two surgical techniques used in desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses: the Saber radiofrequency electrosurgical probe and the traditional sharp transection using a tenotomy knife. Through a controlled experiment, researchers found both methods to be safe and effective, with no significant differences in outcome and minimal tissue damage.

Objective and Methodology

• The purpose of the study was to assess and compare the intraoperative and postoperative clinical features when performing desmotomy on the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (ALSDFT) in horses.
• The methods used for desmotomy were Saber radiofrequency electrosurgical probe (SaberRF) and sharp transection with a tenotomy knife.
• In the experiment, each participating horse (totaling 6) underwent bilateral, tenoscopic-guided ALSDFT desmotomy with both the SaberRF probe and the tenotomy knife. The application of the methods was randomly assigned to either the left or right limb of each horse.

Results

• Desmotomy of the ALSDFT was successfully completed in all of the horses. Hemorrhage during operation was minor and not significantly different between the two methods.
• On the first day following the operation, carpal sheath effusion (fluid accumulation) was greater in the SaberRF method, but it wasn’t different from the traditional knife method at later times.
• Differences in viability staining or other measured outcomes between the two methods were also not significant.
• Microscopy analysis of the ALSDFT, flexor carpi radialis tendon, the radial head of the deep digital flexor tendon, and the deep digital flexor tendon showed minimal collateral tissue damage in both methods.

Conclusions

• The researchers concluded that tenoscopic-guided ALSDFT desmotomy using the SaberRF probe was not significantly different in measured outcomes compared to the traditional sharp transection with a tenotomy knife.
• Both methods provided minimal collateral tissue damage, suggesting both techniques can be used effectively and safely for desmotomy in horses.