142 PLANTAR NEITRECTO MY 



Fig. 52 or from the superior end of the first phalanx down 

 to a level with the superior border of the lateral cartilage, 

 but preferably at about the point shown in Fig. 52, near the 

 superior end of the first phalanx. At the desired point and 

 over the groove between the flexor pedis tendon and the 

 phalanges, shave and disinfect an area 4 to 5 cm. square. 

 In the center of this area at the anterior border of the flexor 

 tendon, with the scalpel held perpendicular to the skin, 

 make an incision from above downward, a distance of from 

 2 to 3 cm., cutting cleanly through the skin and subcutane- 

 ous fascia down upon the nerve. The incision is favored 

 by tensing the skin between the thumb and index finger of 

 the left hand, but care should be taken not to displace it 

 backward or forward. Dilate the wound by pressure upon 

 the skin with the thumb and index finger or otherwise and 

 carefully incise longitudinally the fibrous sheath enveloping 

 the nerve and artery. Pass an aneurism needle beneath the 

 nerve, and forcing it upward and downward, separate there- 

 by the nerve from the surrounding tissues. Insert a probe- 

 pointed bistoury or scissors beneath the nerve, divide 

 it at the upper angle of the wound and excise a section 3 

 cm. long. Disinfect and bandage with or without suturi-ng 

 the wounds. Leave the bandage in place 6 to 8 days. 



41. PLANTAR NEURECTOMY 

 Fig. 53 



Object. The relief of navicular or ringbone lameness or 

 other painful, non-suppurating disease of any parts below 

 the fetlock joint, 



Instruments. Razor, scissors, convex scalpel, compres- 

 sion artery forceps, tenacula, aneurism needles, suture ma- 

 terial, elastic ligature. 



Technic. It is wel^ to shave the site of operation and 

 thoroughly disinfect the region of the metacarpus and fet- 

 lock with soap, brush, and sublimate or creolin solution and 



