Ultrasound-guided transection of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle (distal check ligament desmotomy) in horses.

This study discusses the use of ultrasound technology to assist surgeons in the cutting of a ligament in a horse’s foot, a procedure called distal check ligament desmotomy, which has been shown to correct deformities and improve foot shape, especially when performed at a young age.

Research Details

• The research involved the transection or cutting of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle, also known as the distal check ligament, of 44 horses. The procedure, called distal check ligament desmotomy, was performed using real-time ultrasound technology to guide the process.
• A 7.5 MHz ultrasound transducer was used to visualize the procedure. The ultrasound enabled surgeons to see the ligament clearly through a small incision (1 to 1.5 cm), and facilitated the ability to isolate and dissect the ligament. Importantly, it also enabled the surgeons to confirm that the ligament had been completely cut.

Results and Findings

• The results revealed that this procedure was effective in correcting flexural deformities in the distal interphalangeal joint (the joint in the tip of the hoof) and the metacarpophalangeal joint (the joint at the top of the hoof) in almost all of the horses. These deformities can cause lameness and other foot issues in horses.
• There were only three horses for which the procedure was not effective. In those cases, it was not clarified why the procedure did not bring about the desired changes.
• Another significant finding suggested that the age at which the procedure was performed mattered. If the surgery was done at a younger age (around 6 months), horses ended up with a more normal foot shape compared to those where the surgery was done at an older age (usually around 12 months). Despite this, age did not seem to affect the appearance of the surgical site afterward.
• Lastly, according to the authors’ experiences, using this ultrasound-guided technique led to reduced postoperative wound problems right after the surgery. This means fewer complications and a faster recovery for the horses.