SPORTS MEDICINE AND SURGERY

Arthroscopies are a minimally invasive procedure routinely performed to explore a joint, remove bone or cartilage fragments from within a joint, debride/repair damaged tissue and ligaments, debride bone cysts or eliminate infection from within the synovial cavities. Similarly, tenoscopies or bursoscopies allow for the surgical examination and treatment of structures within the tendon sheaths or bursae, respectively.

Equine fracture repair carries particular set of challenges not seen in other species, including humans.  Our surgeons, which include AOVET Faculty have the expertise, state of the art instrumentation and advanced imaging in order to repair these serious injuries.

Arthrodesis (joint fusion) Osteoarthritis and progressive joint degeneration affect all types of horses. When normal function of the joint is no longer possible, arthrodesis or “joint fusion” may be elected. Arthrodesis of a joint is achieved by removing the articular cartilage and stabilizing the joint using implants. This allows for fusion of the bones to occur, reducing mobility of the joint and alleviating the pain associated with joint degeneration. A complete evaluation with one of our highly experienced clinicians will help to determine if this procedure is the best option for your horse.

The most common procedure for correcting impinging Dorsal Spinous Processes (Kissing Spines) is an Inter-Spinous Ligament Desmotomy (ISLD). This procedure involves making a small 1-2cm incision next to the affected Dorsal Spinous Processes (DSP). The inter-spinous ligament between the two affected DSPs is cut, relieving the pressure and increasing the space between the DSPs.

Fasciotomies are performed alone or in combination with a neurectomy of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve. This is the preferred surgical option for treating proximal suspensory ligament desmitis. The band of fibrous tissue surrounding the suspensory ligament is cut, releasing the pressure on the ligament. This relieves pain and reduces inflammation.

Laryngeal Hemiplegia is a common condition that affects the upper respiratory tract in a horse. When the arytenoid cartilage weakens, it drops down into the airway and obstructs airflow. This is what causes the classic “roaring” noise heard when the horse is working. The most common procedure for treating this condition is a Prosthetic Laryngoplasty, commonly referred to as a “tie back”. An incision is made in the throat latch area, and large sutures are placed on the outside of the arytenoid cartilage to retract it out of the path of airflow.

Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate (DDSP) is a condition that affects the upper respiratory tract. Laryngeal advancement more commonly referred to as a “tie forward” is currently considered the gold standard surgical treatment for correcting DDSP. The purpose of a tie forward is to advance the larynx forward, so it sits over the soft palate, decreasing the distance between the epiglottis and the opening of the airway, and forcing the soft palate to stay in the correct position.

Epiglottic entrapment can be a cause of increased respiratory noise and poor performance in the equine athlete. When the epiglottis becomes trapped within the aryepiglottic fold, surgical correction may be required. Our board-certified surgeons preform both resting and dynamic endoscopies to accurately diagnose and treat many upper respiratory conditions.

Sinusitis or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is one of the most common conditions affecting the upper airway in horses. Sinusitis is often secondary to infection which can be caused by a variety of conditions. Using computed tomography (CT), our board-certified surgeons are able to thoroughly evaluate your horse and determine the best treatment options available.