Upper Checks

Saginaw Valley Equine Clinic offers endoscopic desmotomy as part of a horse’s comprehensive care. 

Minimally invasive superior check ligament desmotomy is performed endoscopically through the carpal sheath for treatment of flexural limb deformities, typically involving the fetlock joint, and chronic superficial digital flexor tendonitis.

This minimally-invasive approach provides an alternative to the traditional open approach in an effort to reduce potential for intra-operative hemorrhage, minimize post-operative development of serums, and provide a more cosmetic outcome with minimal scarring.

SVEC was the first to bring this unique endoscopic approach to Michigan. Due to superior cosmetic and post-operative return to function, this advanced surgical technique has become routine to SVEC.

Transecting superior check ligaments with a radio-frequency probe. This minimally invasive alternative to traditional scalpel surgery is performed at SVEC.