34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Injuries to the proximal suspensory ligament (SL) in the forelimb are a common cause of lameness. Current diagnostic analgesia techniques lack the specificity needed to distinguish SL injuries from other sources of pain. This study aims to investigate the anatomy of the Deep Branch of the Lateral Palmar Nerve (DBLPaN) and to develop an ultrasound-guided injection technique for this nerve to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Methods:

Forty cadaveric equine forelimbs were used in the study. Twenty of these limbs were dissected to investigate the anatomy of the DBLPaN. The anatomical findings from these dissections were then applied to the remaining twenty forelimbs to develop an ultrasound-guided injection technique for the DBLPaN using blue dye, and to evaluate its accuracy.

Results:

The DBLPaN gave rise to several branches, exhibiting significant individual differences. However, three main anatomical patterns were identified. The DBLPaN was injected 3.9 cm distal to the accessory carpal bone. The needle was inserted medially and directed dorsolaterally at the junction between the SL origin and the axial side of the fourth metacarpal bone. The injections were successful in 65% of cases and partially successful in a further 25%. In the remaining 10% of cases, the injections were unsuccessful, with the lateral palmar nerve also being stained.

Conclusions:

The findings establish a foundation for developing a new diagnostic analgesia technique that could effectively differentiate SL injuries from other causes of lameness, ultimately improving equine diagnostic practices and treatment outcomes.