Laryngeal reinnervation using the spinal accessory nerve: Electromyographic study of the sternomandibularis muscle.

Background: Selective laryngeal reinnervation using the first and second cervical nerve (C1C2) is a treatment option for recurrent laryngeal neuropathy that aims to restore the function of the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis (CAD) muscle. Despite the technique's satisfying success rate, it has several limitations. These triggered the search for another potential donor nerve that could reduce CAD muscle fatigue and shorten rehabilitation.

Ex vivo study of minimally invasive procedures for cartilage removal from the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint and for fetlock tension band application.

Objective: To describe reliable minimally invasive procedures for (1) removing cartilage by joint distraction and articular drilling for equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP)/metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis; (2) applying a palmar/plantar tension band without MCP/MTP joint luxation.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Sample Population: Cadaveric equine limbs (n = 12).

Anatomy of the vestibulum esophagi and surgical implications during prosthetic laryngoplasty in horses.

Objective: To describe the anatomy of the entry to the equine esophagus (vestibulum esophagi) and to assess the risk of penetrating its adventitia and/or lumen during laryngoplasty.

Study Design: Ex vivo cadaveric study.

Sample Population: Five isolated equine larynges and 39 equine head and neck specimens.

Modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique for the treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy in horses.

Background: In horses, the only established method for reinnervation of the larynx is the nerve-muscle pedicle implantation, whereas in human medicine, direct nerve implantation is a standard surgical technique for selective laryngeal reinnervation in human patients suffering from bilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Objectives: (1) To describe a modified first or second cervical nerve transplantation technique for the treatment of recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) in horses and (2) evaluate the outcomes of reinnervation using direct nerve needle-stimulation of the first cervical nerve and exercising endoscopy before and after surgery.

Study Design: Case series.