Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the equine forelimb proximal suspensory ligament by longitudinal access
Authors: R. Baccarin, C. P. Vendruscolo, B. Cogliati, A. Schultz, C. Torre, P. Ramos
Journal: Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia
Summary
# Editorial Summary The proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) at its origin presents a diagnostic challenge for clinicians: whilst superficial digital flexor tendon injuries remain the most frequently encountered soft tissue lesion in the equine forelimb, PSL pathology is increasingly recognised as a significant cause of lameness and athletic underperformance, yet its unique histological composition and anatomical location have historically limited our ability to obtain tissue samples for definitive diagnosis. Baccarin and colleagues developed and validated an ultrasound-guided longitudinal biopsy technique specifically targeting the PSL origin in the forelimb, moving away from traditional approaches that proved technically difficult in this region. Through this longitudinal access method, the research team successfully demonstrated a reliable means of collecting diagnostic tissue samples from the PSL origin with acceptable accuracy and minimal procedural complications. This technique offers equine practitioners—particularly veterinarians managing horses with suspected PSL injuries—a more accessible pathway to histopathological examination, enabling differentiation between degenerative, inflammatory, and traumatic lesions that might otherwise remain inconclusive on imaging alone. For farriers, physiotherapists and coaches working alongside veterinary teams, confirmation of PSL involvement through tissue diagnosis could refine rehabilitation protocols and management strategies, ultimately supporting more targeted treatment and realistic prognostication for affected horses.
Read the full abstract on the publisher's site
Practical Takeaways
- •This ultrasound-guided biopsy technique offers a diagnostic tool for horses with suspected proximal suspensory ligament injuries when imaging findings are unclear
- •Understanding that PSL has different tissue characteristics than SDFT means lesions may behave differently and require tailored rehabilitation approaches
- •Consider proximal suspensory ligament pathology in horses with forelimb lameness and performance deficits, as these injuries are becoming more commonly recognized
Key Findings
- •Ultrasound-guided longitudinal access provides a viable technique for biopsy of the equine proximal suspensory ligament
- •The proximal suspensory ligament has unique histological features distinct from other suspensory apparatus components
- •Suspensory ligament injuries are increasingly recognized as clinically significant causes of athletic performance loss in horses