title: Arthroscopic approach to the subextensorius recess of the lateral femorotibial joint of the foal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To (1) develop an arthroscopic approach to the subextensorius recess of the lateral femorotibial (LFT) joint in foals and (2) report its use in foals with LFT joint sepsis.
  
  
  METHODS
  (1) Anatomic study and (2) retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  (1) Cadaveric hind limbs (n = 32 foals) to delineate the anatomy of the subextensorius recess; 13 foal limbs for cadaver surgery to assess the approach to the subextensorius recess; and (2) foals (n = 8) with LFT joint sepsis.
  
  
  METHODS
  (1) The LFT joint was distended and examined ultrasonographically. Dissection was used to document periarticular landmarks, potential distal arthroscopic portals, and assess iatrogenic damage after cadaveric surgery. (2) Retrieval of data from 8 foals with LFT joint sepsis treated using the arthroscopic approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  (1) The optimal arthroscopic approach to the distal subextensorius recess is craniolaterally, 8-10 cm distal to the tibial plateau, immediately caudal to the peroneus tertius muscle, through the long digital extensor muscle belly, entering the distal extent of the subextensorius recess. Thirteen limbs dissected after cadaver surgery had no iatrogenic damage to the peroneus tertius muscle or peroneal nerve. (2) Two foals were euthanized. Resolution of sepsis occurred in 6 foals, and all were sound at follow-up >9 months after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The subextensorius recess may be safely accessed arthroscopically in foals.
authors.affiliation: Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Congupna, Victoria, Australia. simonhennessy@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Simon E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Hennessy
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cudmore
authors.forename: L Paige
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Vasey
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000662:veterinary*; D002102:Cadaver; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013264:Stifle / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*