Racing performance following the laryngeal tie‐forward procedure: A case‐controlled study

Abstract

This study provides strong evidence supporting the use of the LTFP in racehorses. Further work is needed to determine the relationship between laryngohyoid conformation and nasopharyngeal stability in horses.

In vitro mechanical evaluation of equine laryngeal tie-forward constructs prepared with different suture materials and placement patterns

“…5 In the present study, in vitro constructs prepared with metallic implants and polyester sutures had low maximal load at failure; however, constructs prepared with metallic implants and polyethylene sutures had both low displacement and maximal load at failure, likely because the loads applied during the mechanical testing quickly approached the breaking strength of the constructs, which failed sooner than did the other in vitro constructs. This was possibly a consequence of the mechanical properties of the braided polyethylene sutures (relatively inelastic) and length of the suture used to create the constructs with the metallic implants, given that the resultant suture loops were much shorter (320 mm) than the loops of the same suture material used in the standard technique (480 mm).…”

“…These findings should be taken into consideration when choosing the suture material for an LTF procedure in a racehorse because a stiffer suture should result in less postoperative retraction of the larynx, which is associated with decreased chance of racing after surgery. 5 However, comparison of in vitro LTF constructs in equine larynges is necessary to determine whether the results from a previous study 9 are valid when sutures are placed in the laryngeal cartilage.…”

Update on Diseases and Treatment of the Pharynx

“…The goal of this repositioning is to stabilize the soft palate. 24 Postoperative implications PI leading to DDSP has been reported following laryngoplasty to treat recurrent laryngeal neuropathy and surgery to correct epiglottic entrapment. 12 The cause of this is unknown; it is possible that DDSP was present, but not diagnosed, preoperatively or that these disorders represent progression of a common neuromuscular dysfunction syndrome affecting the URT of horses.…”

“…5,[31][32][33] There is increasing support implicating laryngohyoid positioning as a factor associated with DDSP. 5,6,9,20,21,24,34 As such currently the most widely accepted surgical intervention, following failed conservative therapy, is laryngeal tie-forward with or without myectomy of the sternohyoideus and sternothyrohyoideus. Success rates approaching upward of 80% have been reported for this treatment strategy and there seems to be minimal detrimental effects to the horse.…”

“…21 Similarly, radiographs of the laryngeal region can provide some information regarding the position of the larynx and basihyoid bone and DDSP. 6,24 When performing radiographs of the laryngeal region of the horse to assess positioning of the larynx and hyoid apparatus it is important to use a standardized head position with extension being most useful for this purpose. 29 Updates on Treatment of Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate Management of DDSP remains controversial because of the lack of a clear cause of this disorder, resulting in several treatment strategies each directed toward one of the proposed causes.…”