Minimally invasive desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in horses

Authors
A. Tnibar, M. T. Christophersen and C. Lindegaard
Date
March 2010
Journal
Equine Veterinary Education
Volume
22
Number
3
Pages
141 - 145

This retrospective study describes ultrasound guided desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in 35 cases, and a modification of this procedure using an adapted surgical instrument. The procedure was successful in 97% of cases. Wound healing was excellent in all except 4 cases. Corrective shoeing prior to surgery contributes to success. The procedure can be performed on the standing horse and offers the advantages of minimally invasive surgery which include: reduced incision length, reduced morbidity and improved cosmetic outcome. The adapted surgical instrument can be an alternative to isolate the ligament under ultrasound guidance.