Resection

This procedure is performed with the patient placed in lateral recumbency and through stab incisions.

First, the calcaneal bursa is filled with fluid and a stab incision is prepared in the proximal pouch of the calcaneal bursa for the insertion of the arthroscope.

The arthroscope is introduced from lateral to medial. Two portals are needed for the complete evaluation of the calcaneal bursa.

After a thorough arthroscopic evaluation the wound is debrided and the fragments are removed.

The fracture bed is curetted and the bursa is lavaged.

Fresh fractures should be closed with interrupted sutures, while infected fractures are left open with additional drainage in the wound.

Broad spectrum antibiotics are administered for 3 weeks.

The limb is placed in a cast for three weeks. If the region is swollen it may necessary to change the cast after one week, when most of the swelling has subsided.
The horse is kept in a stall for 4-8 weeks. Hand-walking exercises are indicated for another 4-8 weeks before the horse can be put back into training.

Follow-up x-rays are taken 8 weeks after surgery to evaluate fracture healing.