34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Introduction:

Osteoarthritis of the articular process joints is a common finding in horses with prevalences up to 72% in show-jumpers (1). Osseous proliferation may mechanically compress the cervical nerve roots exiting the intervertebral foramen (IVF). Surgical spinal decompression surgery, such as foraminotomy, is commonly used in humans and was recently described in horses (2).

Material and Methods:

The medical records of horses that had an endoscopic foraminotomy performed between 01.02.2021-06.06.2024 were reviewed and owners contacted for follow-up information. Foramen stenosis was diagnosed in all horses by clinical, radiographic and computertomographic examination. All horses had a foraminotomy using a uniportal approach as described elsewhere (2). Intra- and postoperative complications and outcome was recorded.

Results:

To date 259 foraminotomies on 170 patients have been performed. With exception of 2 cases with fatal postoperative complications, all patients survived with no or just minor complications. Of 90 patients with available long-term follow-up, 77 (86%) improved after surgery with 63 (70%) performing under saddle at the same or higher level.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic cervical intervertebral foraminotomy appears to be a promising treatment for horses with cervical nerve root compression caused by articular process joint osteoarthritis with bony proliferation.

References:

1. Espinosa-Mur P, et al. Radiological prevalence of osteoarthritis of the cervical region in 104 performing warmblood jumpers. Equine Vet J. 2021;53(5):972–8
2. Swagemakers J-H, et al. Percutaneous full endoscopic foraminotomy for treatment of cervical spinal nerve compression in horses using a uniportal approach. Equine Vet J. 2023