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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Tenoscopic-guided resection of the manica flexoria utilizing...
Veterinary surgery : VS2025; doi: 10.1111/vsu.14209

Tenoscopic-guided resection of the manica flexoria utilizing radiofrequency energy. A proof of concept study.

Abstract: To develop and optimize a tenoscopic technique for resection of the manica flexoria utilizing a radiofrequency probe. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Eighteen cadaver limbs and two experimental horses. Methods: Tenoscopic-guided resection of the manica flexoria using radiofrequency energy proceeded sequentially by transection of the medial, lateral and proximal borders. The technique was performed in ex vivo limbs and then in vivo to replicate clinical scenarios. Time to complete resection of the manica flexoria (mean ± SD) and complications was recorded. Limbs were dissected and scored for features of transection and collateral injury on a 15-point scale (15 was optimal). Tenocyte viability and histology were performed on tissues from the in vivo procedures. Results: Transection of the manica flexoria was achieved in all limbs (18/18 ex vivo and 8/8 in vivo). Surgery time was 30.6 ± 12.7 minutes (ex vivo) and 26.1 ± 7.5 minutes (in vivo). Limb scores representing iatrogenic damage and resection borders revealed an average ex vivo score of 14.3 ± 0.67 and live horse score of 14.8 ± 0.43. Histology and live/dead staining did not identify changes in tissue architecture and revealed minimal cell death following radiofrequency exposure. Conclusions: The described technique, utilizing radiofrequency energy, is a successful approach for safe transection of the manica flexoria. The procedure allowed for complete symmetric resection of the manica flexoria with minimal iatrogenic damage to surrounding tissues. Conclusions: Resection of a torn manica flexoria may be technically challenging and utilization of sharp instrumentation risks accidental iatrogenic damage. Resection using radiofrequency represents a feasible alternative technique.
© 2025 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2025-02-13 PubMed ID: 39945015DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14209Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article is about a study aiming to develop and optimize a surgical approach, using radiofrequency energy, for safely removing the manica flexoria in horses with minimal collateral tissue damage.

Objective and Methodology of the Research

  • The objective of the study was to develop and optimize a technique for resection (removal) of the manica flexoria, an important anatomical structure in the horse’s limb, using radiofrequency energy.
  • In order to achieve this, the study was conducted on eighteen cadaver limbs and, later, on two live horses. This method ensured researchers could replicate a range of clinical scenarios.
  • The main focus was on reducing the time required for the procedure and mitigating complications. The researchers also assessed the effects of the technique on surrounding tissue by performing histology, looking for any changes in tissue architecture and undesirable cell death.

Findings of the Study

  • The main finding of the study was that the new technique for resecting the manica flexoria using radiofrequency energy was successful in all tested conditions. This result was consistent in both the cadaver limbs and live horses.
  • In terms of time effectiveness, the average time for the procedure was about thirty minutes for ex vivo operations, and just over twenty-six minutes for the in vivo procedures.
  • The study also emphasized the safety of the procedure, stating that the radiofrequency method caused minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. This was confirmed by the limb scores representing iatrogenic damage and resection borders.
  • The histological examination provided additional confirmation of the method’s safety. It revealed no significant changes in tissue architecture and minimal cell death following exposure to radiofrequency energy.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that utilizing radiofrequency energy for the resection of manica flexoria is both safe and efficient. This procedure enables a complete symmetric resection of the structure with negligible iatrogenic damage. It may present a safer alternative to sharp instrumentation, which carries a risk of accidental collateral damage.

Cite This Article

APA
Barton CK, Nelson BB, Winther TM, Maker TC, Goodrich LR. (2025). Tenoscopic-guided resection of the manica flexoria utilizing radiofrequency energy. A proof of concept study. Vet Surg. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14209

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Barton, Charlotte K
  • Orthopaedic Research Center, Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Nelson, Brad B
  • Orthopaedic Research Center, Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Winther, Taylor M
  • Orthopaedic Research Center, Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Maker, Tristan C
  • Orthopaedic Research Center, Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Goodrich, Laurie R
  • Orthopaedic Research Center, Translational Medicine Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.

Grant Funding

  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons Foundation ACVS Surgeon in training

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