Page 92 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

88 LIMB SURGERIES

The palmar carpal branch of the proximal ligament is carefully transected a small amount

radial artery courses through the proximal margin at a time, taking care to avoid vessels coursing

of the check ligament, and other small but deep through the ligament (Figure 14-8). Visualizing

vessels can be found throughout the ligament. the distal extent of the check ligament may require

When isolated and visualized, the proximal check transecting a small amount of the deep sheet

of the flexor retinaculum. When the excision is

complete, the muscle belly of the radial head of

the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) is visible

(Figure 14-9). The carpal sheath may also be

visible in the distal portion of the incision (Figure

14-10). If the carpal sheath has been incised, the

area should be lavaged liberally. The area is

checked for bleeding before closure.

The incision in the superficial sheet of the

flexor retinaculum is closed with No. 2-0 or No.

O absorbable suture material in a continuous pat-

tern. The subcutaneous tissues are closed with No.

2-0 absorbable suture material. The skin is closed

Figure 14-5 Intraoperative view of the proximal with an interrupted pattern using No. 2-0 suture

check ligament (arrow). material (Figure 14-11).

Antebrachial fascia (a)

Deep communicating branch to the

proximal radial v. (b)

---C Chestnut -- Cephalic v. (c)

•

Superficial sheet of flexor retinaculum

Tendon of

flexor carpi radialis m.

Figure 14-6 Ligation and transection of the communicating branch that perforates the antebrachial fascia, and

incision of the superficial sheet of retinaculum and tendon sheath of the flexor carpi radialis.