ULNAR NEUROTOMY 193 



dons, fetlock and foot, it furnishes only a part of the sensi- 

 bility, being fused with the median, whose influence predomi- 

 nates. Ulnar neurotomy alone is, therefore, of no service 

 whatever. It can only be utilized to dispatch the sensibility 

 that remains in certain structures after the median has been 

 divided, in which instance the two operations combined be- 

 come about equivalent to high plantar neurotomy, with the 

 exception that the fetlock and part of the tendons are com- 

 pletely unnerved, while in plantar this articulation and the 

 tendons are not affected. We have tried the operation for 

 the cure of lameness, due to an osteophyte, located on the 

 supero-external part of the os suffraginus with negative re- 

 sults ; but finally cured the lameness by adding median neu- 

 rotomy. 



For tendinitis, navicular arthritis, sesamoiditis, or a, com- 

 bination of these, the combined operations have a decidedly 

 marked influence. The patient is at once better. The re- 

 sults are pronounced, immediate, flattering, but the danger 

 of disaster to the diseased parts is sensibly greater than in 

 any other of the nerve operations. In fact, the patients sel- 

 dom survive long. The hoof sheds, the ligaments loosen or 

 the leg swells, and becomes the seat of an extensive dissolu- 

 tion. In the face of these unfavorable comments, we are 

 forced to record several very flattering cures from these 

 combined operations, wherein the subjects' were perma- 

 nently benefited ; and although several years have elapsed, 

 no serious accident has yet occurred to any of them. The 

 great majority, however, do not survive the ordeal for- more 

 than two or three months, sometimes much less. 



It is .very evident from the brief experience and the few 

 data here and there, that ulnar neurotomy as an adjunct to 

 median, is to be cautiously judged, pending further investiga- 

 tions, and that at present its performance is only advisable 

 as a last resort in the otherwise useless subject. 



RESTRAINT. — Ulnar neurotomy is performed in the 

 recumbent position, with the affected leg uppermost, and 

 brought out at a right angle with the long axis of the body. 

 Either the operating table or harness will answer. The leg 

 is fixed in the usual manner, and the seat of operation is 

 anaesthetized subcutaneously with a five per cent solution 

 of cocaine. General anjesthesia is unnecessary. 



TECHNIQUE.— The technique is as follows: 



First Step. — Locating the Seat of the Operation.— The 

 ulnar nerve, although quite superficial, cannot be felt on pal- 

 pation, on account of its hidden position beneath the anti- 



