Injection of the equine navicular bursa can be technically challenging, and inadvertent penetration of other synovial structures is common using previously described techniques. When injecting the navicular bursa, inadvertent penetration of other synovial structures and hoof configuration can affect success rate, especially when performed by inexperienced operators. The aim of this study is to describe an alternate radiographic guided technique for injection of the equine navicular bursa that consistently avoids penetration of the distal interphalangeal joint using a 40 mm (1.5-inch) 20-gauge needle. This ex vivo pilot study compared the success rate, needle redirection rate, and rate of inadvertent synovial penetration of a novel injection technique for the equine navicular bursa between operators with three differing levels of experience in equine veterinary medicine (1 year, 8 years, >30 years). There was no significant difference in success rate between operators regardless of level of experience or hoof configuration, and inadvertent penetration of other synovial structures was highly unlikely. Thus, using the described technique, injection of the navicular bursa can be performed by individuals of various experience levels in equine veterinary practice, and can be achieved with a high success rate with little chance of inadvertent penetration of other synovial structures regardless of hoof configuration.
Keywords: Equine; Foot; Injection technique; Navicular bursa; Radiographic guidance.
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