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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2020; 33(06): 377-386
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714301
Original Research

Anatomy and Ultrasound-Guided Injection of the Medial Branch of the Dorsal Ramus of the Cervical Spinal Nerves in the Horse: A Cadaveric Study

Giorgio Corraretti 
1   Equine Clinic De Morette, Asse, Belgium
,
Jean-Michel Vandeweerd
2   Department of Veterinary Medicine, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
,
Fanny Hontoir
2   Department of Veterinary Medicine, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
,
Katrien Vanderperren
3   Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals and Orthopedics of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
Katrien Palmers
1   Equine Clinic De Morette, Asse, Belgium
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the anatomy of the nerves supplying the cervical articular process joint and to identify relevant anatomical landmarks that could aid in the ultrasound-guided location and injection of these nerves for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Study Design Twelve cadaveric equine necks were used. Five necks were dissected to study the anatomy of the medial branch of the dorsal ramus of the cervical spinal nerves 3 to 7. Relevant anatomical findings detected during dissections were combined with ultrasonographic images obtained in one other neck. Six additional necks were used to assess the accuracy of ultrasound-guided injections of the medial branch with blue dye.

Results Each examined cervical articular process joint, except for C2 to C3, presented a dual nerve supply. The articular process joints were found to be in close anatomical relationship with the medial branch of the dorsal ramus of the cervical spinal nerve exiting from the intervertebral foramen at the same level, and with the medial branch of the dorsal ramus of the cervical spinal nerve exiting from the intervertebral foramen one level cranial to the articular process joint of interest. A total of 55 nerves were injected under ultrasonographic guidance, 51 of which were successfully stained.

Conclusion The current study provided new detailed information regarding the innervation of the cervical articular process joint. The medial branches of the dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves were injected with an accuracy that would be of clinical value. Our study offers the foundations to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for pain management in cervical articular process joint arthropathy in horses.

Keywords

equine - medial branch block - articular process joint - neck osteoarthritis - perineural injection

Authors' Contributions

All authors contributed to the conception of the study, study design, acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 31 August 2019

Accepted: 23 May 2020

Article published online:
10 August 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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