DSP
*
Medial approach: Direction of needle insertion (arrow) directed ventrally to the
articular process joint (*) nearly parallel to the DSP (left is to the left of the
image)
Medication can be placed peri-articularly or intra-articularly. A medial
approach is sometimes easier with the spinal needle placed medially to the
transducer and directed ventrally to the base of the spinous process where
the thoracolumbar processes are located.
This technique is not too difficult to master and can result in superior
diagnostic evaluation of this area.
Further reading:
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9.
Boys Smith S. Dynamic ultrasonography of musculoskeletal regions. In Kidd A, Lu KG, Frazer ML, eds.
st
Atlas of Equine Ultrasonography, 1 ed. United Kingdom: Wiley Blackwell, 2014:225-238.
Cousty M, Firidolfi C, Geffroy O, David F. Comparison of medial and lateral ultrasound-guided approaches
for periarticular injection of the thoracolumbar intervertebral facet joints in horses. Vet Surg 2011;40:494–
499.
Denoix J-M. Ultrasonographic evaluation of back lesions.Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1999;15:131–
159.
Fuglbjerg V, Nielsen JV, Thomsen PD, Berg IC. Accuracy of ultrasound-guided injections of thoracolumbar
articular process joints in horses: a cadaveric study. Equine Vet J 2010;42:18-22.
Girodroux M, Dyson S, Murray R. Osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar synovial intervertebral articulations:
Clinical and radiographic features in 77 horses with poor performance and back pain. Equine Vet J
2009;41:130-138.
Head M. Ultrasonography of the head and back. In Kidd A, Lu KG, Frazer ML, eds. Atlas of Equine
st
Ultrasonography, 1 ed. United Kingdom: Wiley Blackwell, 2014:213-223.
Nagy A, Dyson S, Barr A. Ultrasonographic findings in the lumbosacral joint of 43 horses with no clinical
signs of back pain or hindlimb lameness. Vet Radiol & Ultrasound 2010;51:533–539.
Stubbs NC, Riggs CM, Hodges, PW, Jeffcott, LB, Hodgson DR, Clayton HM, Mcgowan CM. Osseous
spinal pathology and epaxial muscle ultrasonography in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J 2010;42
(Suppl. 38):654-661.
Vandeweerd JM, Desbrosse F, Clegg P, H