Anatomic Study of the Calcaneal Bursae in the Horse

To establish an injection site for the gastrocnemius calcaneal bursa (GCB), to identify communication patterns between the calcaneal bursae, to estimate the proximal and distal extents of the intertendinous calcaneal bursa (ICB) and to identify variations from previous anatomic descriptions. Descrip...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Veterinary surgery 2007, Vol.36 (1), p.3-9
Main Authors: POST, EVELYN M, SINGER, ELLEN R, CLEGG, PETER D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anatomy & physiology
Animals
Ankle
Bursa, Synovial - anatomy & histology
Bursitis - therapy
Bursitis - veterinary
Cadaver
calcaneal bursa
Calcaneus - anatomy & histology
connective tissues
disease diagnosis
gastrocnemius muscle
Hindlimb
Horse Diseases - therapy
Horses
Horses - anatomy & histology
injection site
joints (animal)
legs
muscles
tarsus (bone)
Tarsus, Animal
terminology
therapeutics
Veterinary services
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Summary:To establish an injection site for the gastrocnemius calcaneal bursa (GCB), to identify communication patterns between the calcaneal bursae, to estimate the proximal and distal extents of the intertendinous calcaneal bursa (ICB) and to identify variations from previous anatomic descriptions. Descriptive anatomic study. Cadaveric equine hindlimbs (n=18) from 9 adult horses. Communication between the ICB and GCB was determined in 18 cadaveric hindlimbs by injection of a latex mixture, followed by examination of sequential sagittal sections and documentation of the distribution of the latex mixture and communication sites. The distal and proximal extents of the ICB and subcutaneous calcaneal bursa (SCB), relative to the tuber calcanei (TC) were recorded. Communication between the ICB and the GCB was confirmed on the medial and lateral aspect in 100% and 50% of limbs, respectively. Communication between the SCB and the ICB, and therefore the GCB, was identified in 39% of limbs. Plantar reflections of the ICB existed in 33% of limbs. Mean extent of the ICB relative to the TC was 7.0 cm distally and 9.6 cm proximally. The SCB often occupies a more distal position than previously reported. The ICB and the GCB should be considered 1 synovial structure with 2 communicating compartments. The GCB may be an alternative site for synoviocentesis when there is septic calcaneal bursitis. Improved knowledge of calcaneal bursae anatomy may aid in diagnosis and treatment of lesions involving these structures.
ISSN:0161-3499
1532-950X
DOI:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2007.00229.x