Equine Musculoskeletal: Navicular Syndrome Flashcards
how common is navicular syndrome?
most common degenerative disorder of the foot causing lameness
what makes up the podotrochlear apparatus?
navicular bone
collateral sesamoidean ligaments
impar ligament
deep digital flexor tendon
navicular bursa
coffin joint- partially
which horses are genetically predisposed to navicular syndrome?
quarter horses
thoroughbreds
warmbloods
what does increased stiffness of bone lead to?
overload of cartilage
what is history like with navicular syndrome?
mostly chronic front limb lameness, often intermittent
lameness can also be acute onset
most often bilateral front, can be unilateral
which radiograph views are used for the navicular bone?
lateral view
60 degree dorso-palmar view
proximopalmar-to-distopalmar tangential view- “skyline”
what changes can be seen with the proximopalmar-to-distopalmar tangtial view- “skyline”?
medullary sclerosis
loss of corticomedullary junction- flexor surface
irregularities along the flexor surface
may be normal
what does a nuclear scintigraphy bone scan show?
bony inflammation
what are some abnormal findings in an MRI for navicular syndrome?
navicular bone edema
deep digital flexor tendonitis
desmitis
navicular bursitis
adhesions within navicular bursa
how can navicular syndrome be medically managed mainly?
corrective shoeing
NSAIDs
intra-articular therapy
intra-bursal therapy
biphosphonates
when are biphosphonates used?
primarily in cases of primary navicular bone degeneration
what is the mode of action of biphosphonates?
biphosphonate is taken up by osteoclasts inducing inactivation or apoptosis
what are the surgical options for navicular syndrome?
navicular buroscopy
palmar digital neurectomy
when can palmar/plantar digital neurectomy be performed?
when medical treatment or buroscopy is unsuccessful
first option: in cases with navicular bone changes
where is the incision made for palmar/plantar digital neurectomy?
over ligament of ergot
