OBJECTIVE: To describe endoscopic surgical subtotal resection of the dorsal spinous processes (DSP) and interspinous ligament in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive clinical study. ANIMALS: Adult horses (n=10) with back pain and impinging dorsal spinous processes METHODS: Diseased portions of DSP and interspinous ligament were resected by endoscopic surgery, using Destandau Endospine to create a surgical space and provide triangulation for the endoscope, suction cannula, and surgical instruments. Medical records of 10 horses with pain attributable to DSP pathology treated by endoscopic resection of DSP were reviewed to determine intra- and postoperative complications and outcome. RESULTS: Affected portions of DSP were successfully resected with minimal hemorrhage. Limited periosteal reaction was noticed after 3 months in 2 horses. Nine horses had no complications and returned to full work within 8 weeks; 1 developed a subcutaneous abscess, which was successfully managed, and returned to work after 3 months. Surgical resection improved presenting clinical signs and owner's complaint although 2 horses did not return to previous performance levels. CONCLUSION: Resection of DSP and interspinous ligament can be successfully performed endoscopically in horses. Hemorrhage was minimal but reduced visibility. Complications were minimal and most horses returned to work by 8 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endoscopic resection of DSP is a safe and reliable surgical procedure in horses.
OBJECTIVE: To describe endoscopic surgical subtotal resection of the dorsal spinous processes (DSP) and interspinous ligament in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive clinical study. ANIMALS: Adult horses (n=10) with back pain and impinging dorsal spinous processes METHODS: Diseased portions of DSP and interspinous ligament were resected by endoscopic surgery, using Destandau Endospine to create a surgical space and provide triangulation for the endoscope, suction cannula, and surgical instruments. Medical records of 10 horses with pain attributable to DSP pathology treated by endoscopic resection of DSP were reviewed to determine intra- and postoperative complications and outcome. RESULTS: Affected portions of DSP were successfully resected with minimal hemorrhage. Limited periosteal reaction was noticed after 3 months in 2 horses. Nine horses had no complications and returned to full work within 8 weeks; 1 developed a subcutaneous abscess, which was successfully managed, and returned to work after 3 months. Surgical resection improved presenting clinical signs and owner's complaint although 2 horses did not return to previous performance levels. CONCLUSION: Resection of DSP and interspinous ligament can be successfully performed endoscopically in horses. Hemorrhage was minimal but reduced visibility. Complications were minimal and most horses returned to work by 8 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endoscopic resection of DSP is a safe and reliable surgical procedure in horses.