Tenoscopic release of the equine carpal canal.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a tenoscopic method to divide the carpal flexor retinaculum and decompress the carpal canal.


METHODS
Cadaver specimen study and prospective trial.


METHODS
Twelve cadaveric limbs, 4 clinically normal horses, and 2 clinically affected horses. Methods-A tenoscopic approach to the proximolateral aspect of the carpal sheath was used to identify and facilitate endoscopic division of the inner and outer layers of the carpal flexor retinaculum in cadaver limbs. The technique was further evaluated in 4 normal and 2 clinically affected horses.


RESULTS
Anatomic dissection, intraoperative observation, necropsy, histologic evaluation, and both short- and long-term clinical follow-up indicate that a tenoscopic approach that divides the inner layer of the carpal retinaculum can successfully decompress the equine carpal canal. No iatrogenic damage to surrounding structures was evident, division of the retinaculum was adequate and permanent, and clinical morbidity was negligible. Resolution of effusion was evident in both clinical cases of carpal canal syndrome and lameness resolved in the 1 horse in which long-term follow-up was possible.


CONCLUSIONS
Tenoscopic release of the carpal flexor retinaculum could provide a minimally invasive method to quickly, safely, and effectively decompress the carpal canal.


CONCLUSIONS
Tensocopic release of the carpal flexor retinaculum is a safe alternative to open division of the retinaculum to decompress the carpal canal in horses with carpal canal syndrome.
Textor
Jamie A
JA
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Nixon
Alan J
AJ
Fortier
Lisa A
LA
D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D002350:Carpus, Animal / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies