NEUROTOMY.. 129 



table, on the affected side and extend the tarsus. Shave and 

 disinfect an area 5 to 6 cm. square on the inferior median 

 surface of the hoclc over the course of the cunean tendon of 

 the chief flexor of the metatarsus, as indicated in Plate XIX. 

 Locate the tendon, CT, by palpation as it passes obliquely 

 downward and backward and make a transverse incision 

 about I cm. below the inferior border of the tendon at a 

 point midway between the anterior and posterior borders of 

 the hock, or slightly anterior thereto, the width of the .scal- 

 pel blade. Push the tenotome flatwise between the skin and 

 tendon, as showninthe plate, force it upwards to the superior 

 border of the tendon, then turn the cutting edge toward it 

 and elevating the handle, using the superior border of the 

 wound as a fulcrum, cut the tendon through from without 

 inwards. By firm pressure upon the tenotome in the latter 

 method periosteotomy is simultaneously accompli,shed. The 

 completion of the operation is evidenced by the separation 

 of the cut ends of the tendon leaving a well-marked de- 

 pression at the point of operation. DLsiufect the wound, 

 apply an antiseptic bandage resting upon the fetlock and 

 allow to remain undisturbed for six days. Healing by 

 primary union. 



NEUROTOMY. 



General Remarks. Neurotomy is performed for a vari- 

 ety of objects, .such as the relief of pain in a sensitive nerve 

 it.self, as in trifacial neurotomy, 11, p. 48, the relief of 

 pain or lameness in a par: supplied by a sensory nerve, or 

 the inhibition of motor power, as in the " cribbing " opera- 

 tion. 



The following neurotomies are designed to relieve pain 

 and the consequent lameness dependent upon a pathologic 

 condition of .some part or tiissue on the distal side of the 

 point of operation and to which the divided sen-sory nerve is 

 destined. 

 9 



