The radiographic and histologic appearance of controlled surgical manipulation of the equine periosteum.

Abstract

This study documented the normal histologic features of the equine metacarpal and metatarsal periosteum and characterized its osteogenic response to surgical manipulation. Two periosteal flaps were elevated from the dorsomedial matacarpal and metatarsal diaphysis in each of three limbs of four yearling and four adult lightbreed horses. The superficial metacarpal cortex under the flap was resected with a bone chisel in one-half of the horses and was undisturbed in the remainder. One periosteal flap in each limb was excised and the other flap was replaced and secured by sutures. All limbs in the horses were radiographed at regular intervals postoperatively. Horses were killed either 30 or 120 days after surgery. Periosteal bone production occurred only at treatment sites of young horses treated by periosteal flap replacement and was limited to approximately 50% of these sites, as determined by radiography and microradiography. Cortical abrasion resulted in an increased incidence of bone production in the periosteum adjacent to the flap perimeter. The histologic features of the periosteum were similar to those reported in other species; young horses had active osteogenesis referable to appositional growth and adults had an inactive periosteum. Histologically, osteogenesis induced by surgery resembled accentuated appositional growth in both yearlings and adults. In the horse, the cambial (osteogenic) layer is included in sharply elevated periosteal flaps. It should be removed in surgical procedures where bone production is to be avoided, and preserved where osteogenesis is desired.