Clinical Evaluation of 49 Tenoscopically Assisted Superior Check Ligament Desmotomies in 27 Horses

摘要

Tenoscopically assisted superior check ligament desmotomy can be performed reliably with little intra or post-operative complications. Clinically, we have found this approach to be superior to the current conventional medial approach. The tenoscopic approach to the examination and desmotomy of the superior check ligament (SCL) has been described on an experimental basis. However, this technique has not been evaluated and reported on clinical cases. Superior check ligament desmotomies (SCLD) using theconventional medial approach have been utilized as sole treatment or in combination with additional procedures. Its use has particularly been advocated for superficial digital flexor tendon (SDF) injuries as well as flexural deformities of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints. The benefits of minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopic surgery have been shown over the last decades and are now uniformly accepted. Benefits such as reduced post-operative pain, care, morbidity, and improved intra-operative visibility have greatly contributed to this popularity. The goal of this study was to assess the clinical feasibility and merit of performing SCLD using the lateral tenoscopic approach to the carpal tendon sheath using clinical cases.