Desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in the forelimb of 24 horses 2 years and older.

The research article focuses on the treatment of desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) or flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (FDDIJ) in horses. Specifically, it examines the effectiveness of ALDDFT desmotomy – a surgical procedure wherein the ligament is cut – in adult horses and its effectiveness in returning the animals to their intended use.

Methodology

• The research included a case series involving horses suffering from desmitis of the ALDDFT and FDDIJ.
• The specific cases involved 24 adult horses that had undergone ALDDFT desmotomy treatment. These horses were chosen based on their medical records from April 1996 to July 2008 and their age, which had an average of 6.7 years. Of the total cases, 9 suffered from desmitis of the ALDDFT while the 15 other cases showed signs of FDDIJ.
• Follow-up data were obtained within 12 to 120 months post desmotomy.

Results

• The outcome of the surgery was documented for 22 out of the 24 horses. Reports note that 18 out of these 22 horses, or approximately 82%, returned to their intended use within 6 to 24 months, with an average of 12 months.
• Breaking it down, six out of the eight horses with ALDDFT desmitis and 12 of the 14 with FDDIJ successfully returned to their intended use.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that ALDDFT desmotomy is indeed effective in most cases, with a 75% success rate for horses with ALDDFT desmitis and an 86% success rate for those with FDDIJ.
• It is implied that the procedure can help afflicted horses return to their usual functions within a relatively short period of 6 to 24 months after the surgery.

Overall, the research suggests that ALDDFT desmotomy is a valid form of treatment for adult horses suffering from ALDDFT desmitis or FDDIJ, and allows a majority of them to return to their intended use.