Surgical approach for removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments of the proximal sesamoid bones in horses.
Abstract: To describe a surgical approach for the removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments in performance horses and to report the outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=11), 7 months to 10 years of age, with lameness because of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments. Methods: Lameness was localized to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal region by clinical examination or response to diagnostic local anesthesia. Radiographs confirmed the diagnosis of a nonarticular base sesamoid fragment. Surgical removal was performed with an incision over the base of the affected sesamoid through the digital flexor tendon sheath. After identifying the fragment with the aid of needles, a small vertical incision was made in the straight distal sesamoidean ligament (SDSL) and the fragment was freed from its attachments and removed. Six months convalescence and rehabilitation was prescribed for all horses. Results: Eleven horses had 16 nonarticular fragments of the base of the proximal sesamoid bones. Eleven (69%) fragments occurred in the forelimbs with the right front (82%) and medial sesamoid (73%) more commonly affected. Horses were treated by surgical fragment removal. In horses with follow-up, 9 of 10 returned to their intended use. Conclusions: Surgical removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments can be accomplished through a palmar/plantar approach through the digital flexor tendon sheath and SDSL. This "keyhole" approach minimizes damage to the distal sesamoidean ligament attachments to the sesamoid base and allows some horses to return to their intended use. Conclusions: Surgical removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments should be considered in horses with performance-limiting lameness as a result of the fragment.
Publication Date: 2009-01-13 PubMed ID: 19134083DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00427.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article explores how a surgical approach can be used to remove nonarticular base sesamoid fragments in performance horses, detailing the process and reporting its outcomes.
Research Methodology
- The study uses a retrospective approach, analyzing data from past cases involving performance horses aged between 7 months and 10 years that presented lameness due to nonarticular base sesamoid fragments.
- The identified lameness was localized to the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal region through either clinical examination or response to diagnostic local anesthesia.
- The condition was confirmed using radiographs, which diagnosed the problem as a nonarticular base sesamoid fragment.
- The researchers then performed surgical removal of the fragments, making a cut above the base of the affected sesamoid via the digital flexor tendon sheath. With aid of needles, the fragment was located, detached from its connecting linkages, and removed through a small incision made in the straight distal sesamoidean ligament (SDSL).
- The horses were then allowed a convalescence and rehabilitation period of six months post surgery.
Research Outcomes
- The study revealed that the eleven horses under evaluation had in total sixteen nonarticular fragments at the base of the proximal sesamoid bones.
- Out of these, eleven fragments (equivalent to 69%) were found in the forelimbs with right front (82%) and medial sesamoid (73%) being the most affected regions.
- The horses were then treated with surgical removal of the offending fragments. Pre- and post-operative assessments were done.
- Follow-up suggested that nine out of ten horses resumed their intended use after the surgery.
Conclusion
- The researchers concluded that nonarticular base sesamoid fragment removal surgery can be executed through a palmar/plantar approach via the digital flexor tendon sheath and SDSL.
- They named this technique as the “keyhole” approach for its minimal damage to the distal sesamoidean ligament attachments to the sesamoid base, and its ability to allow some horses to return to their intended use.
- They recommended considering this surgical option for horses experiencing performance-limiting lameness as a result of base sesamoid fragments.
Cite This Article
APA
Brokken MT, Schneider RK, Tucker RL.
(2009).
Surgical approach for removal of nonarticular base sesamoid fragments of the proximal sesamoid bones in horses.
Vet Surg, 37(7), 619-624.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00427.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA. brokkenm@vetmed.ufl.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Lameness, Animal
- Male
- Sesamoid Bones / injuries
- Sesamoid Bones / surgery
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
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