| Title: |
Needle tenoscopy of the digital flexor tendon sheath in four horses. |
| Authors: |
Breen, L. J.; Baldwin, C. M.; Vos, J. R.; Gillen, A. M.; Stack, J. D. |
| Source: |
Equine Veterinary Education; Jun2026, Vol. 38 Issue 6, pe315-e323, 9p |
| Subject Terms: |
Arthroscopy; Tendon injuries; Tenosynovitis; Operative surgery; Diagnosis; Lameness in horses |
| Abstract: |
Summary: Background: Tenoscopy, performed under general anaesthesia (GA), remains the gold standard diagnostic modality for assessment of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). A cadaver study described needle tenoscopy of the DFTS in a standing horse model, but the procedure has not been reported in clinical cases. Objectives: To document successful and safe needle tenoscopy of the DFTS as a diagnostic modality in two standing horses, and to guide plantar annular ligament desmotomy in two clinical cases under general anaesthesia. Study design: Clinical case report. Methods: Case records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Cases 1 and 2 had unilateral forelimb lameness localised to the DFTS. Both cases had normal radiographic contrast tenograms and ultrasonography did not yield a diagnosis. The needle tenoscope was utilised as a diagnostic modality, under standing sedation and local anaesthesia, and identified a longitudinal tear of the lateral border of the deep digital flexor tendon in Case 1, and a longitudinal tear of the medial border of the superficial digital flexor tendon in Case 2. Cases 3 and 4 underwent traditional DFTS tenoscopy under GA for resection of torn manica flexorias, but a standard arthroscopic cannula could not be passed through the severely constricted fetlock canal. The needle tenoscope was passed through the fetlock canal and used to guide complete plantar annular ligament desmotomy. Traditional tenoscopy under GA was performed following needle tenoscopy in all cases. Main limitations: Small sample size. The pastern region of the DFTS was not assessed. Conclusions: Needle tenoscopy of the DFTS allowed diagnostic evaluation of the common sites of pathology in two standing equine clinical cases and facilitated clinical decision‐making for the management of pathology. Needle tenoscopic‐guided plantar annular ligament desmotomy was safe and complete, with minimal iatrogenic damage in two horses undergoing traditional tenoscopy under GA. We acknowledge the ergonomic challenges and safety risks to the surgical team associated with standing surgery of the distal limb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |