Thesis
Computed tomographic tenography of the equine carpal flexor tendon sheath and subsequent description of a novel medial surgical endoscopic portal
Masters by Research, Murdoch University
2025
Abstract
Exploratory tenoscopy is the gold standard technique to identify intrathecal pathology of the equine carpal flexor tendon sheath (CFTS). The conventional surgical approach to the CFTS is from the proximolateral aspect under general anaesthesia. The use of computed tomography (CT), with and without contrast, should assist in determining pre-operative diagnosis, which should aid surgical planning and potentially improve outcomes. This thesis describes the anatomy of the equine CFTS using non-contrast and contrast CT in clinically normal cadaver limbs and subsequently describes to location of a novel medial surgical portal. Ten pairs of equine forelimbs free of gross external abnormalities were examined from mid antebrachium to distal metacarpus. Specimens initially underwent non-contrast CT examination using 135 kVp, dynamic mAs, and 1mm slice thickness. Contrast media (iohexol) diluted in saline (total 60ml, final concentration 75mg/ml) was injected into the CFTS from a lateral approach before the CT examination was repeated. A 21g 1.5” needle was then placed in the medial aspect of the CFTS to identify portal location with subsequent repeat CT scanning. Tenoscopy was then performed using the conventional lateral approach. Dissection was used to compare the gross, tenoscopic and imaging findings.
The combined non-contrast CT and contrast CT examinations provided excellent anatomical detail of intrathecal and extrathecal structures, including previously undescribed intrathecal structures. The distal termination of the CFTS was significantly more distal than previously reported and the creation of a medial portal for tenoscopic access to the CFTS was theoretically achievable in all specimens without causing significant intrathecal trauma.
Details
- Title
- Computed tomographic tenography of the equine carpal flexor tendon sheath and subsequent description of a novel medial surgical endoscopic portal
- Authors/Creators
- Tom Woods
- Contributors
- Barny Fraser (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Veterinary MedicineDavid Byrne (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Veterinary Medicine
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Masters by Research
- Identifiers
- 991005821348107891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary Medicine
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Note
- Research Masters with Training (MVSurg) of Murdoch University
Metrics
24 File views/ downloads
22 Record Views