New Tool and Method for the Minimally Invasive Transection of Horse Annular Ligament
Minimally invasive Can be performed on a standing sedated animal Minimal after care Less subject to surgeon experience Safer and more reliable than previous procedures
Ligament desmotomies Transection of annular ligament Sport horse medicine
Sport horses that compete in intense activities such as jumping, dressage or reigning may develop inflammation or constriction of the annular ligament (annular ligament desmitis). Treatment for annular ligament desmitis may include surgical transection of the annular ligament or ‘Ligament desmotomies’ to improve circulation and the gliding movement of the flexor tendons. These surgeries are typically performed on a heavily sedated or anesthetized horse and require a large incision, guided by ultrasound or tenoscopic imaging. Minimally invasive surgery (which can be performed on a standing sedated animal with minimal post-surgery care) can be used to perform the surgical transection but is subject to the experience of the surgeon as the ligament is transected 'blind' and has the potential to cause iatrogenic damage to the surrounding structures. Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a new surgical method and tool to facilitate the transection of a horse’s annular ligament quickly and accurately using minimally invasive surgery. This new method includes an ultrasound assisted technique which is both effective and associated with minimal intraoperative complications. The use of the novel surgical tool allows the veterinarian to align and tighten the fibers of the ligament so that the ligament is better recognized on ultrasound. The curved blade of the surgical tool facilitates a quick and simple transection of the aligned tendon thus making the procedure easier to execute while minimizing variability based on surgical experience.
Tech ID/UC Case 27334/2017-279-0 Related Cases 2017-279-0
USA
