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Latifi et al: Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part II: Forelimb
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Fascia was present over most of the canine forelimb, but key areas like the elbow, carpus, and manus lacked robust fascial planes for wide resection.
  • Type I fascia (discrete sheet) was primarily found in the antebrachium, with type IV (periosteal) fascia located at the olecranon, scapular spine, and accessory carpal bone.
  • Distal antebrachial fascia was thin and adherent, often blending with carpal structures and lacking reliable surgical planes.
  • Partial tenectomy or joint capsule resection was often required for wide excision in the distal limb, especially over the triceps tendon and carpus.
  • Nerve transections (e.g., superficial radial or ulnar branches) were commonly needed to maintain fascial margins, though often with minimal functional loss due to overlapping innervation.
  • Digital and metacarpal pads lacked clear deep fascial borders, making digit amputation necessary for oncologic margins in distal tumors.
  • Dissections revealed fascial junctions as either Type A (easily separable) or Type B (risk of disruption), guiding resection plane selection.
  • Findings provide a surgical map to guide preoperative planning for superficial tumor excision on the forelimb.

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Latifi et al: Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part II: Forelimb
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

  • Fascia was present over most of the canine forelimb, but key areas like the elbow, carpus, and manus lacked robust fascial planes for wide resection.
  • Type I fascia (discrete sheet) was primarily found in the antebrachium, with type IV (periosteal) fascia located at the olecranon, scapular spine, and accessory carpal bone.
  • Distal antebrachial fascia was thin and adherent, often blending with carpal structures and lacking reliable surgical planes.
  • Partial tenectomy or joint capsule resection was often required for wide excision in the distal limb, especially over the triceps tendon and carpus.
  • Nerve transections (e.g., superficial radial or ulnar branches) were commonly needed to maintain fascial margins, though often with minimal functional loss due to overlapping innervation.
  • Digital and metacarpal pads lacked clear deep fascial borders, making digit amputation necessary for oncologic margins in distal tumors.
  • Dissections revealed fascial junctions as either Type A (easily separable) or Type B (risk of disruption), guiding resection plane selection.
  • Findings provide a surgical map to guide preoperative planning for superficial tumor excision on the forelimb.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Latifi 2022 et al., on forelimb fascial mapping, which of the following structures was typically associated with type IV fascia?

A. Humeral epicondyle
B. Scapular spine
C. Tensor fasciae antebrachii
D. Pectoralis superficialis
E. Trapezius

Answer: Scapular spine

Explanation: Type IV fascia is defined as being periosteal, and was commonly observed at the scapular spine, olecranon, and accessory carpal bone.
In Latifi 2022 et al., on forelimb fascial mapping, which statement is TRUE regarding nerve transection during tumor resection?

A. Transection of the deep radial nerve causes severe limb dysfunction
B. Transection of the dorsal ulnar nerve causes paralysis of flexors
C. Sensory loss from radial nerve transection is usually minimal due to overlapping innervation
D. Ulnar nerve transection leads to complete manus paralysis
E. Radial nerve branches should never be sacrificed

Answer: Sensory loss from radial nerve transection is usually minimal due to overlapping innervation

Explanation: Cutaneous innervation is often redundant, and functional loss is limited if only superficial branches are transected.
In Latifi 2022 et al., on forelimb fascial mapping, why is complete fascial excision often not feasible in the manus region?

A. Fascia is fused with muscle bellies
B. The carpal sheath prohibits access
C. Fascial planes blend into ligaments and joint capsule
D. Fascia is thick and vascular
E. Fascia over digits is easily separable

Answer: Fascial planes blend into ligaments and joint capsule

Explanation: Fascia in the manus is thin, adherent, and blends with joint structures, limiting clean dissection.
In Latifi 2022 et al., on forelimb fascial mapping, which fascial type was most frequently observed in the antebrachium of dogs?

A. Type II fascia (thin, adherent to muscle)
B. Type III fascia (thick, adherent to muscle)
C. Type IV fascia (periosteal)
D. Type I fascia (discrete fascial sheet)
E. Type 0 fascia (absent)

Answer: Type I fascia (discrete fascial sheet)

Explanation: Type I fascia predominated in the antebrachium, although it thinned distally and became less reliable.
In Latifi 2022 et al., on forelimb fascial mapping, what surgical strategy may be required for wide tumor excision over the triceps tendon region?

A. Complete fascial dissection of triceps without tendon involvement
B. Deep dissection to include carpal ligaments
C. Partial triceps tenectomy
D. Superficial resection with digital pressure
E. Use of fascial graft to preserve muscle plane

Answer: Partial triceps tenectomy

Explanation: The triceps tendon lacks a distinct fascia, so partial tenectomy may be needed to obtain surgical margins.

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Fascial plane mapping for superficial tumor resection in dogs. Part II: Forelimb