Lateral approach for arthrocentesis of the equine coffin joint.

The coffin joint is frequently affected with degenerative, inflammatory, and traumatic disorders that require arthropuncture for diagnosis and treatment. Traditionally, the coffin joint has been accessed through the dorsal or dorsolateral aspect of the dorsal joint pouch, but this approach is considered difficult by some veterinary practitioners. More recently a lateral approach for arthrocentesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint has been advocated; a similar anatomic approach has been described for percutaneous injection of the navicular bursa. The objectives of this study were to determine (a) the anatomic landmarks for lateral percutaneous penetration of the proximopalmar pouch of the coffin joint, and (b) the likelihood of penetration of the coffin joint, navicular bursa, and digital flexor tendon sheath for the lateral and dorsal approaches.