Resection
1. Approach
Incision
This procedure is performed with the patient standing or in lateral recumbency.
A longitudinal incision is performed over the distal fragment of the splint bone.
Further information on approaches to the split bone can be found here.
Transection of ligament
The ligament at the distal end of the splint bone is transected.
2. Removal of the distal fragment
Fragment removal
The distal fragment including its periosteum is removed.
The distal end of the splint bone is shown (arrow) here with the bed where the distal fragment was located.
Any small fragments or periosteal new bone formation (in older cases) remaining at the surgery site are removed with a curette.
Closure
The incision is closed in layers applying routine technique.
Radiographic confirmation
The postoperative radiograph confirms successful surgical removal of the distal fragment.
3. Aftertreatment
A bandage is applied for two weeks. Sutures are removed after 10 days.
The horse is kept in a stall for 3 weeks followed by daily hand-walking for 3-4 weeks, and then return to its intended work.
Involvement of the suspensory ligament prolongs the stall rest period to 2 or 3 months followed by a carefully monitored exercise program.
Follow-up x-rays are taken at 4 weeks after surgery.
