Computed tomography to identify preoperative guidelines for internal fixation of the distal sesamoid bone in horses: an in vitro study.

Objective: To assess the reliability of computed tomography (CT) to identify the direction of implant insertion for cortical screws along the longitudinal axis of intact (nonfractured) distal sesamoid bones.

Study Design: In vitro study.

Sample Population: Cadaveric paired equine forelimbs (n=16).

Use of computed tomography in standing position to identify guidelines for screw insertion in the distal phalanx of horses: an ex vivo study.

Objectives: To compare the precision of radiography and computed tomography (CT) preoperatively in the standing position for identification of guidelines for screw insertion in the distal phalanx, and to identify whether standing CT might improve operative time compared with preoperative radiographic planning.

Study Design: Experimental ex vivo study.

Animals: Cadaveric equine thoracic limb pairs (n=10).

Use of computed tomography to diagnose new bone formation associated with desmitis of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament in third metacarpal or third metatarsal bones of three horses.

Case Description: 3 horses with lameness localized to the proximal aspect of the metacarpus or metatarsus.

Clinical Findings: All horses had evidence of problems that originated from the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament (PASL), including signs of pain on palpation, positive results of diagnostic nerve blocks, ultrasonographic detection of enlargement and diffuse areas of reduced echogenicity in the proximal region of insertion of the ligament, and radiographic detection of increased mineral opacity in the proximal aspect of the metacarpus or metatarsus. Desmitis of the PASL was diagnosed in each horse; however, conservative treatment failed to improve the lameness.

Endoscopic resection of dorsal spinous processes and interspinous ligament in ten horses.

Objective: To describe endoscopic surgical subtotal resection of the dorsal spinous processes (DSP) and interspinous ligament in horses.

Study Design: Descriptive clinical study.

Animals: Adult horses (n=10) with back pain and impinging dorsal spinous processes

Methods: Diseased portions of DSP and interspinous ligament were resected by endoscopic surgery, using Destandau Endospine to create a surgical space and provide triangulation for the endoscope, suction cannula, and surgical instruments.