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Navicular bursa: bursoscopy

ISSN 2398-2977

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Introduction

  • Bursoscopy has only been used in a limited number of anatomical bursae in the horse   Bursoscopy: overview  .
  • Bursoscopy of the navicular bursa is an important technique in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting this structure.

Uses

  • To examine the:
    • Fibrocartilage on the flexor surface of the navicular bone.
    • Navicular bursa.
    • Dorsal surface of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT).
    • Distal sesamoidean impar ligament (limited view)
  • To identify and treat:
    • Adhesions between the DDFT and the palmar aspect of the navicular bone.
    • Thinning or full-thickness erosion of the flexor fibrocartilage of the navicular bone.
    • Fibrillation and tears of the dorsal aspect of the DDFT   Deep digital flexor tendon: tendinitis  .
    • Synovitis of the navicular bursa.
    • Tears in the distal sesamoidean impar ligament   Foot: laminitis  .
    • Penetrating wounds and contamination of the bursa   Navicular bursa: puncture  .
  • technique of choice for treatment of infectious navicular bursitis.

Advantages

  • Minimally invasive.
  • Increased visualization.
  • Multiple bursoscopies can be performed.
  • Good cosmetic appearance following surgery.
  • Reduced convalescence.
  • Better prognosis for return to previous level of performance (and beyond) vs Street-nail procedure   Foot: street-nail procedure  /surgical bursotomy.

Disadvantages

  • Expensive equipment.
  • High levels of surgical expertise, knowledge and experience of technique required.

Alternative techniques

Time required

Preparation

Procedure

  • Depends on whether diagnostic and/or surgical procedures are undertaken: 30-120 min.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

  • Identification on radiography, scintigraphy, ultrasound or MRI of lesion amenable to bursoscopic surgery.
  • Lameness localized to navicular bursa by intrabursal anesthesia   Navicular bursa: injection  +/- absence of conclusive diagnosis.
  • Navicular bursa penetration.

Requirements

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Preparation

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Technique

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Aftercare

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Outcomes

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Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

  • Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
  • Smith M R & Wright I M (2012) Endoscopic evaluation of the navicular bursa: Observations, treatment and outcome in 92 cases with identified pathology. Equine Vet J 44 (3), 339-345 PubMed.
  • Haupt J L & Caron J P (2010) Navicular bursoscopy in the horse: a comparative study. Vet Surg 39, 742-747 PubMed.
  • Smith M R W, Wright I M & Smith R K W (2007) Endoscopic assessment and treatment of lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon in the navicular bursae of 20 lame horses. Equine Vet J 38 (1), 18-24 PubMed.
  • Cruz A M et al (2001) Podotrochlear bursa endoscopy in the horse: a cadaver study. Vet Surg 30, 539-545 PubMed.
  • Wright I M et al (1999) Endoscopy of the navicular bursa: a new technique for the treatment of contaminated and septic bursae. Equine Vet J 31,  511 PubMed.

Other sources of information

  • Ross M W & Dyson S J (2003) Eds. Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse. 2nd edn. W B Saunders.