The chapman Procedure

The Chapman Procedure

Burney Chapman pioneered the use of dorsal hoof wall resection in combination with the Heart Bar Shoe in the late 1950's. Visit Anvil Magazine's Articles page for interviews with Burney. Interview #1 and Interview #2

The Chapman Procedure is the combination of dorsal hoof wall resection with rigid P₃ support via the frog. For the laminitic hoof dorsal hoof wall resection relieves hydraulic pressure in the lamellar space and allows expansion of inflamed lamellar tissues (below left). For the foundered horse resection removes the "lamellar wedge" permitting the reduction of P₃ (below right).

The Heart Bar Shoe provides alternate skeletal support until the new hoof wall grows while maintaining correct P₃ / hoof capsule orientation.

Resection Animation Heart Bar Shoe Animation

This animation shows a developmental "sinker". The lamellar bond has been destroyed. Hydraulic pressure (caused by the accumulation of serum in this case) in the lamellar space is forcing P₃ downward. The support bar of the Heart Bar Shoe is resisting the descent of P₃. Draining the fluid relieves the hydraulic pressure. Resection provides the space needed for the inevitable swelling of the connective tissue. This animation shows an established or "chronic founder". The dorsal hoof wall and "lamellar wedge" are removed and the Heart Bar Shoe is applied restoring P₃ to its pre-founder position.

A Single Treatment Strategy?

There are many who claim that there are no therapies which are univerally beneficial for all foundered horses. The Chapman Procedure is conceptually a reduce and immobilize therapy. The concept of reduction and immobilization for fractures and displacements is universally applicable. Common to all founder is the displacement of P₃. Loss of P₃ stability, recurrent lamellar and solar abscessation, compression of the sole by the descending P₃, pedal osteitis, remodeling and demineralization of the distal border of P₃, hoof capsule deformation, and lameness are all consequences of P₃ dislocation. All of these post founder consequences are remedied by reduction and immobilization of P₃. The Chapman Procedure is reduction and immobilization of P₃. Thus, by definition, the Chapman Procedure is an appropriate and effective therapy for all founder cases and laminitis cases threatening to founder.