Outcome of Palmar/Plantar Digital Neurectomy in 50 Horses With Foot Pain Evaluated With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Palmar or plantar digital neurectomy (PDN) can resolve lameness in horses with foot pain unresponsive to medical therapy. However, horses with core or linear lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon subjected to PDN may have residual lameness or early recurrent lameness postoperatively. Authors’ addresses: Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802 (Gutierrez-Nibeyro, M.A. Mitchell); Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610 (Werpy); Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Leesburg, VA 20177 (White); Fairfield Equine Associates, 32 Barnabas Road, Newtown, CT 06470 (R.D. Mitchell, Edwards); BW Furlong & Associates, Oldwick, NJ 08858 (Gold); and Virginia Equine Imaging, 2716 Landmark School Road, The Plains, VA 20198 (Allen); e-mail: sgn@illinois.edu.

1. Introduction

Palmar or plantar digital neurectomy (PDN) can be performed in horses with chronic foot pain, allowing horses to return to athletic activity. However, there is limited knowledge of the foot lesions that influence the outcome of PDN.

2. Materials and Methods

Medical records of 50 horses subjected to PDN due to chronic foot pain were reviewed. Age, breed, sex, athletic activity, duration of lameness, affected limb(s), response to anesthesia of the palmar/plantar digital nerves, MRI findings, and surgical technique were analyzed together with follow-up data to identify factors that influenced outcomes.

3. Results

Forty-six of 50 horses (92%) responded to surgery; forty (80%) were able to return to their previous athletic use for a median time of 20 months (range: 12–72 months). Horses with pre-existing core or linear lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) had a significantly shorter period of lameness resolution after surgery than horses with dorsal border lesions of the DDFT or other foot lesions. 

4. Discussion

The results show that horses with core or linear lesions of the DDFT can experience residual lameness or early recurrent lameness after surgery. The use of MRI to rule out core or linear lesions of the DDFT before surgery may be an adjunctive diagnostic tool for patient selection.

Acknowledgments

Conflict of Interest

The Authors declare no conflicts of interest.