Qualitative assessment of corticosteroid cervical articular facet injection in symptomatic horses
Authors: Birmingham S. S. W., Reed S. M., Mattoon J. S., Saville W. J.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Cervical Facet Joint Injections for Equine Spinal Cord Disease Cervical stenotic myelopathy (CSM) remains the leading cause of non-infectious ataxia in horses, yet evidence supporting specific treatment options remains limited. Birmingham and colleagues conducted a retrospective analysis of horses presenting with ataxia, obscure lameness, or neck pain that underwent ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection into affected cervical facet joints, documenting functional recovery and performance improvements following intervention. By reviewing cases where intra-articular steroid therapy had been employed, the researchers aimed to establish whether this minimally invasive approach offered meaningful clinical benefit in a condition that often proves refractory to conservative management. The findings provide valuable preliminary data on facet injection efficacy, suggesting that this technique warrants consideration as part of a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for CSM—particularly in performance horses where surgical intervention may be impractical or undesirable. For practitioners managing horses with cervical dysfunction, these results indicate that facet joint pathology should be investigated thoroughly, and ultrasound-guided injection may offer a realistic option for improving clinical signs when imaging supports articular involvement in the disease process.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid cervical facet injection may offer a therapeutic option for horses presenting with ataxia, subtle lameness, or neck pain associated with cervical stenotic myelopathy
- •Consider facet injection as a potential intervention before pursuing more invasive procedures, as some horses show clinical improvement or return to work
- •Proper ultrasound guidance is essential for accurate needle placement and treatment efficacy in this procedure
Key Findings
- •Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection into cervical facet joints resulted in return to normal function or performance improvement in horses with cervical stenotic myelopathy
- •Clinical signs of ataxia, obscure lameness, and neck pain were relieved following facet joint injection therapy
- •This retrospective case series documents the efficacy of facet injection as a treatment option for CSM-related clinical signs