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Equine veterinary journal2023; 56(3); 514-521; doi: 10.1111/evj.13987

A novel tension relief technique to aid the primary closure of traumatic equine wounds under excessive tension.

Abstract: To achieve an excellent functional and cosmetic result, primary closure is preferred over leaving wounds to heal by secondary intention. However, traumatic wounds are often under excessive tension during wound closure and incorrect suture technique can compromise microcirculation, leading to skin necrosis and impaired wound healing. Objective: To describe an inexpensive and effective tension relief technique that helps the successful primary closure of a variety of equine wounds at high risk of dehiscence. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: All wounds that were managed with the Tension Tile System (TTS) at four Equine Hospitals between March 2017 and May 2021 were evaluated. The wounds were classified according to various criteria including anatomical location, time elapsed prior to surgery, depth of wound and post-surgical use of immobilisation. Outcome criteria were based on the success of primary intention healing. The duration of convalescence (weeks) after surgery was also recorded. Results: During the study period, the TTS was used in 191/860 (22%) wounds repaired under general anaesthesia or standing sedation. Overall, primary intention healing (Group A) was achieved in 132 of 191 cases (69%, CI 62%-75%), with partial dehiscence (Group B) in a further 30/191 cases (16%, CI 11%-22%). Severe dehiscence (Group C) was recorded in 29/191 cases (15%, CI 11%-21%). The median convalescence time was 4 weeks (Range 3-15, interquartile range 4-6) in Group A. Conclusions: Retrospective nature of the study and subjective outcome assessment. The technique was applied to wounds under significant tension; however, this was based on a subjective assessment by the surgeons involved. Conclusions: The Tension Tile System is an economical and effective technique for challenging equine wounds under tension, in a variety of anatomical locations.
© 2023 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2023-08-09 PubMed ID: 37559442DOI: 10.1111/evj.13987Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research aimed to illustrate an economically advantageous approach, called the Tension Tile System, which aids in the primary healing of equine wounds that are under significant tension and prone to coming apart. Time to recovery after surgery and success of primary healing were among the key outcome measures used to judge the system’s effectiveness.

Research Overview

  • The study was retrospective in nature and looked back at all wounds that had been treated using the Tension Tile System (TTS) at four different equine hospitals between March 2017 and May 2021.
  • The wounds treated were evaluated based on factors like their anatomical location, the time elapsed before surgery was performed, the depth of the wound, and whether immobilization was used after the surgery.
  • The primary measure of success was whether the wounds managed to heal by primary intention, and the duration of convalescence (rest period) following the procedure was recorded.
  • In total, the TTS was utilized for 191 out of 860 wounds that were surgically repaired under either general anaesthesia or standing sedation.
  • The study was limited by its retrospective design and the subjective nature of the outcome assessment. Furthermore, the use of the technique on highly tensed wounds was also dependent on the surgeon’s subjective evaluation.

Research Findings

  • Out of the total number of wounds treated using the TTS, primary intention healing (group A) was accomplished in 132 out of 191 cases, representing 69% success rate. Partial dehiscence (group B) occurred in 30 out of 191 cases (16%), while severe dehiscence (group C) happened in 29 out of 191 cases (15%).
  • The median recovery time for wounds that achieved primary intention healing (Group A) was 4 weeks, with a range between 3 to 15 weeks, and an interquartile range of 4 to 6 weeks.
  • The TTS was found to be an economical and effective technique for attending to various high-tension equine wounds, yielding considerable results when it comes to primary intention healing.

Cite This Article

APA
Comino F, Pollock PJ, Fulton I, Hewitt-Dedman C, Handel I, Gorvy DA. (2023). A novel tension relief technique to aid the primary closure of traumatic equine wounds under excessive tension. Equine Vet J, 56(3), 514-521. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13987

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 56
Issue: 3
Pages: 514-521

Researcher Affiliations

Comino, Francesco
  • SLU University Animal Hospital (UDS), Equine Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Pollock, Patrick J
  • The University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK.
Fulton, Ian
  • Ballarat Veterinary Practice, Victoria, Australia.
Hewitt-Dedman, Charlotte
  • The University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK.
Handel, Ian
  • The University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, UK.
Gorvy, Dylan A
  • SLU University Animal Hospital (UDS), Equine Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
  • Mälaren Hästklinik, Sigtuna, Sweden.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Convalescence
  • Wound Healing
  • Horse Diseases / surgery

References

This article includes 23 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Hmb O, L W, M V, Jm W, Ct F. A topographic analysis of skin thickness in horses. Vet Res Commun 2026 Feb 25;50(3).
    doi: 10.1007/s11259-026-11124-4pubmed: 41739265google scholar: lookup
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