Equine veterinary journal
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Equine veterinary journal · May 2014
A new technique for subtotal (cranial wedge) ostectomy in the treatment of impinging/overriding spinous processes: description of technique and outcome of 25 cases.
Surgical management for overriding spinous processes of the thoracolumbar vertebrae (SPs) is often favoured when conservative therapies have failed, pathology is severe, or in competition horses constrained by drug withdrawal periods. ⋯ In contrast to previously described amputation techniques, subtotal (cranial wedge) ostectomy removes only impinging portions of SPs. General anaesthesia and lateral recumbency facilitate access and enable a short surgery time. The procedure maintains the contour of the back and has fewer complications, but produces functional outcomes similar to more invasive procedures.