Desmotomy of the Accessory Ligament of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon in Horses: An Update

Desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon is advocated to allow for lengthening of the deep digital flexor musculotendinous unit and axial realignment of the bones of the digit. This procedure has several indications. It can be performed using either the open or the minimally invasive surgical approach. This article describes both surgical approaches. Corrective shoeing before surgery contributes to success in both surgical approaches. The cosmetic results obtained after the minimally invasive procedure are much better as compared with those after the open surgical procedure. The minimally invasive approach compares favorably with results reported after using an open surgical approach and offers the advantages of minimally invasive surgery including reduced incision length, reduced morbidity, and improved cosmetic outcome. The minimally invasive approach may be also performed on the standing sedated horse.