Dynamic flexion/extension and non-weight bearing ultrasonography is helpful for identifying manica flexoria tears in horses.

The research study focuses on identifying manica flexoria tears in horses through the application of dynamic flexion/extension and non-weight bearing ultrasound. It emphasizes ultrasonographic findings from examining horses exhibiting digital flexor tendon sheath swelling accompanied by lameness with tenoscopic confirmation of manica flexoria tears.

Study Methodology

• Seven horses with lameness and digital flexor tendon sheath swelling were engaged in the case series study. Out of these, six had a partial manica flexoria tear and one a complete rupture.
• The researchers employed ultrasonographic examinations that consisted of a static examination on the weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing limb and a dynamic assessment during flexion and extension of the limb.

Key Findings

• The principal finding in horses with partial tears was an asymmetrical look of the manica flexoria at the junction with the lateral border of the superficial digital flexor tendon during the weight-bearing static examination.
• In a situation of complete rupture, the manica flexoria was incompletely visualized.
• When flexed, the severed edges of the ruptured manica flexoria were observed floating in the synovial fluid.
• In six out of seven cases, the superficial digital flexor tendon exhibited abnormal sliding relative to the deep digital flexor tendon during flexion/extension movements. This resulted in either the medial displacement of the superficial digital flexor tendon, the appearance of an anechoic gap between the flexor tendons, or reduced sliding of the superficial digital flexor tendon.

Significance and Recommendations

• Since diagnosing a manica flexoria tear using ultrasonography is usually challenging, these findings increase the likelihood of detecting such tears before performing a tenoscopy.
• For horses suspected of having digital sheath injuries, the authors advise carrying out a static ultrasonographic examination of the manica flexoria in a flexed limb position. Also, a dynamic ultrasonographic assessment should be conducted using flexion and extension of the limb.