Radiographic comparison of five different techniques for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa in cattle

Numerous techniques for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa (navicular bursa) have been described, especially in equine, but there are few specific descriptions regarding this practice being done in cattle. Five different techniques were compared for injection into the distal sesamoid bursa in cattle including distal plantar approach parallel with the coronary band, proximal plantar approach, distal plantar approach parallel with the sole, abaxial approach, and distal interphalangeal joint injection. The results revealed that the numbers of needle insertion until proper placement is significantly less in the DIPJ and the DPPS techniques compared to the others (P<0.05). Also, based on the times of contrast agent injection after the correct successful needle insertion, there were significant differences between DIPJ with DPPCB, PP30 and the Ab45 techniques (P<0.05). According to the absence of direct communication between the distal sesamoid bursa and distal interphalangeal joint, the placement of the needle through distal plantar approach parallel with the sole was suggested.