Deep digital flexor tendon injury within the hoof capsule; does lesion type or location predict prognosis?

This research explores how the type and location of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injuries in horses can predict the return to athletic activity. The study reveals that dorsal border lesions have a better prognosis than core lesions or parasagittal splits.

The Research Question and Objectives

• The prime objective of this research study was to explore the relationship between the type and location of DDFT lesions on a horse’s prognosis.
• Further, the study also aimed to explore the prevalence of different kinds of DDFT injuries within the hoof capsule.
• The importance of determining whether an injured horse will return to athletic activity was also stressed, as that helps in guiding the care and management plan of the horse post injury.

Methodology

• The researchers divided the DDFT injuries into three categories: core, dorsal border, and parasagittal splits.
• A total of 168 horses with primary DDFT injury (within the hoof capsule) were examined, and their respective lesion type categories were determined.
• The position of each lesion was noted, and follow-up information on the horses’ return to athletic activity was then obtained by conducting a telephone survey at least 18 months after diagnosis.

Findings

• The research showed that 54 horses had dorsal border lesions, 55 had core lesions, and 59 had parasagittal splits.
• Only 25% of the examined horses managed to return to their previous levels of athletic activity within 18 months of undergoing an MRI evaluation.
• Interestingly, horses that had core lesions or complete splits in the DDFT were significantly less likely to return to some level of athletic activity compared to those with dorsal border lesions. This suggested that the type of lesion does matter and has an impact on the horse’s recovery and return to athletic activities.

Conclusion

• The research indicates that the type and location of DDFT lesions in horses can indeed influence the outcome and predict the return to athletic activity.
• Dorsal border lesions were found to be associated with a better prognosis compared to core lesions or parasagittal splits.
• Given these results, this study can be used to guide clinicians in predicting the prognosis for different types of DDFT injury, thus aiding in more effective management and treatment of the injuries.