Vascularity evaluation of the equine tarsocrural and proximal intertarsal joint septum, and comparative analysis of two arthroscopic transection techniques.

The research evaluates the blood supply in a white fibrous band (a synovial membrane covered septum or SMS) that separates two joints in horses’ hinds. It also compares the effectiveness of two surgery methods for cutting this septum. There was found to be variability in blood supply between horses, but not across different regions of the septum. Neither surgical method was found to be faster or to cause more blood loss than the other.

Research Approach

The research was divided into two parts:

• Firstly, the researchers investigated the blood supply (or vascularity) of the septum that separates two joints in the hooves of horses. They used tissue from horses that had died, dividing each septum into eight ‘regions of interest’ (ROIs) for analysis, adopted angiogenesis markers anti-α-actin for blood vessel identification, and calculated the density of blood vessels in each ROI. They then compared the blood vessel density within and between horses.
• The second part of the study compared two surgical techniques used to cut the septum in live horses, either using an electrosurgical method or a particular surgical device (‘Ferris Smith rongeur’). They measured the time taken and the amount of intraoperative hemorrhage for each method and compared the results.

Findings and Conclusions

• The researchers found significant differences in blood vessel density between horses, but not between the eight ROIs within the septums of individual horses. This suggests that the septum’s blood supply can vary considerably from horse to horse, but is relatively uniform within the septum of any single horse.
• The research shows that neither of the two cutting methods (electrosurgical transection or Ferris Smith rongeur) had a significant impact on surgery time or blood loss. Both were rapid techniques and did not show any significant differences in the amount of blood loss that occurred during the operation. These tools hence stand as valid alternatives for one another in the transection of the medial SMS during arthroscopy.
• The findings provide evidence that can be used to inform surgical procedures in horse, in particular operatory interventions on the tarsocrural and proximal intertarsal joints, improving surgical access while keeping control over operation time and bleeding.