Labordère AL, Ruzickova P, Kamus LJ, Beauchamp G, Malo A, Richard H, Laverty S. Vascularity evaluation of the equine tarsocrural and proximal intertarsal joint septum, and comparative analysis of two arthroscopic transection techniques.
Vet Surg 2024;
53:999-1008. [PMID:
38804260 DOI:
10.1111/vsu.14106]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate vascularity of the synovial membrane covered septum (SMS) separating the tarsocrural (TC) and proximal intertarsal (PIT) joints (Part 1) and compare two methods of transection, electrosurgical or Ferris Smith rongeur (FS rongeur) (Part 2).
STUDY DESIGN
Experimental study.
SAMPLE POPULATION
Part 1, 10 SMS (n = 5 horses). Part 2, six horses (n = 12 tarsi).
METHODS
In part 1, SMS harvested postmortem were each divided into eight regions of interest (ROIs), processed for histology, and immunostained with anti-α-actin antibody for blood vessel identification. Vascular density was calculated for each ROI. Data was compared within and between horses. In part 2, six horses underwent TC arthroscopy. Each limb was randomly assigned to undergo either electrosurgical or FS rongeur SMS transection. SMS transection and total operative time were recorded. Intraoperative hemorrhage was scored. Data was compared between both techniques.
RESULTS
Significant interindividual variations in SMS vascular density were detected (p = .02), but there were no differences among ROIs. No differences in the transection time were detected between electrosurgery (4.83 ± 0.54 min) and FS rongeur (4.33 ± 0.67 min). No differences were found in intraoperative hemorrhage scores between techniques.
CONCLUSION
Vascularity within the SMS varies among horses but not within its regions. Electrosurgical or FS rongeur transection of the medial SMS during tarsocrural arthroscopy is a rapid technique and improves surgical access to the dorsal compartment of the PIT.
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