title: The effect of CO2 laser neurectomy on neuroma formation and axonal regeneration.
abstract: In an attempt to prevent neuroma formation and digital reinnervation after sharp palmar digital neurectomy in 10 adult horses with navicular disease, 18,426 W/cm2 of CO2 laser energy was applied to the proximal nerve stump. Clinical follow-up was 4 to 23 months. In two horses, palmar digital nerve biopsies were taken at month 4 (four nerves) and month 7 (two nerves). Nine horses were sound immediately and at all follow-up examinations. None had clinical evidence of painful neuroma or digital reinnervation. Histologically, there was minimal scar tissue at the surgical site; axonal sprouts were comingled with fibrous tissue.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Haugland
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Collier
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Panciera
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bellamy
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000601:surgery; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D009463:Neuroma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000601:surgery*