THE CUNEAN TENDON AND ITS BURSA 153 



Peters' method of operation, for which considerable success is claimed, 

 as stated by Moller, is as follows : 



"The horse is cast on the diseased side, and by a cord passed round 

 the corresponding front limb the upper hind limb is drawn far enough 

 forward to clear the seat of operation. The hair is then cut away from 

 the inner surface of the hock joint, midway between its anterior and 

 posterior borders, to the extent of about one square inch, the surface 

 washed with soap, rinsed with sublimate or carbolic solution, and the 

 other antiseptic precautions, such as cleansing the hands, placing the 

 instruments in carbolic solution, &c., complied with. By means of a 

 probe-pointed bistoury or scalpel, an incision, at right angles to the long 

 axis of the limb, and about half an inch in length, is then made through 

 the skin and fascia at the disinfected spot, a pair of curved scissors is 

 introduced through the opening as far as the joint between the blades, 

 and the skin divided from the underlying tissues in the form of a ' V,' 

 the instrument being first thrust forward, then backward, severing the 

 subcutis. The slightly curved knife is next introduced into the front 

 pocket of skin, the cutting edge directed backwards to avoid injuring 

 the vena saphena. As soon as it has entered up to the handle the 

 cutting edge is directed towards the joint, and the back pressed with the 

 fingers of the left hand while, by gently rocking the instrument, it is 

 made to penetrate the bones of the joint. The tendon of the flexor 

 metatarsi muscle and the periosteum part with a distinct ' crunching ' 

 sound. The same process is repeated in the posterior pocket of skin, the 

 sharp edge of the knife, however, being directed forwards. After 

 wiping away the small amount of blood which escapes from the wound, 

 the surface is rinsed with a disinfectant, and an antiseptic dressing 

 applied. The bandage should be carried down as far as the fetlock, so 

 as to obtain a fair hold. The horse is then allowed to rise, and is placed 

 in the stable. If during the next few days the bandage becomes soaked 

 through with blood, it should be renewed ; otherwise it is left in position 

 for six to eight days, when the skin wound will be found to have closed. 



