152 SCIATIC NEURECTOMY 



bone, the skin is shaved and disinfected and an incision 6 

 cm. long made through the skin and antibrachial fascia. 

 This incision extends just outside the median line of the 

 posterior surface of the radius in such a way that the supe- 

 rior angle of the wound is about i cm. farther outward 

 than the lower. Beneath the fascia between the aforesaid 

 muscles is seen the ulnar nerve, Fig. 55, n ,Fig. 56, NU, on 

 the median or inner side of it, the collateral ulnar vein, Fig. 

 55, V, and between the two and somewhat deeper, the col- 

 lateral ulnar artery, a. The nerve, about 3 mm. in diame- 

 ter, is picked up with the aneurism needle, severed at the 

 upper and lower' angles of the wound, the lips of the wound 

 united by a continuous suture and a bandage applied. 

 Healing takes place by first intention. 



44. SCIATIC NEURECTOMY 

 Figs. 57, 58 



Objects. The destruction of sensation in the tarsus and 

 parts beyond for the relief of otherwise incurable spavin 

 lameness, diseases of the tendons, etc. 



Instruments. Same as in the preceding. 



Technic. Expert surgeons may operate on the standing 

 animal under local anaesthesia and adrenalin. The average 

 operator should place the animal on the operating table on 

 the diseased side, extend the ; affected limb and draw the 

 upper leg forward or backward and secure it out of the way. 

 Produce complete general or local anaesthesia. The posterior 

 tibial or sciatic nerve, n. Fig. 57 and NS, Fig. 58, is then 

 sought by grasping the leg with the left hand from behind in 

 such a manner that the thumb rests above and the fingertips 

 below it. Reaching forward with the fingers to the deep 

 flexor of the foot, grasp the leg with moderate firmness and 

 draw the hand slowly backward. Immediately behind the 



