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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Effect of single and double hemitenotomy on equine deep digi...
Veterinary surgery : VS2022; 51(7); 1153-1160; doi: 10.1111/vsu.13808

Effect of single and double hemitenotomy on equine deep digital flexor tendon length and strength in experimental load challenges.

Abstract: To evaluate a double hemitenotomy (DHT) technique as an alternative to complete deep digital flexor (DDFT) tenotomy. Methods: Experimental ex vivo study. Methods: Isolated DDFTs (n = 30) and cadaveric forelimbs (n = 16). Methods: In part 1, 15 isolated DDFT pairs were used. Two hemitenotomies were created in 1 DDFT while the other served as reference. Monotonic tensile load was applied. Tendon lengthening, load reduction, and load at failure were recorded. In part 2, 16 cadaveric forelimb pairs were subjected to DHT followed by complete tenotomy (CT) under monotonic compressive load. Differences between DHT and controls were assessed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests or Friedman tests. Results: In isolated tendons and cadaveric forelimbs, DHT resulted in DDFT lengthening (median, +1.9 mm and + 3.05 mm) and load reduction (median, -16.7 and -11.2 kg). Less lengthening was achieved with DHT compared to CT (P = .008). Load reduction did not occur between DHT and CT was observed during compressive testing (P = 1). Load reduction following the first hemitenotomy incision was smaller when compared to the second (P = .022). Isolated DHT tendons failed at a tensile load of 195 kg, while no intact tendons failed (P = .0001). Conclusions: Double hemitenotomy was comparable to CT in load reduction. It reduced tensile strength, but load at failure was similar or exceeded the estimated DDFT load at stance. Conclusions: Hemitenotomy may be a useful alternative for surgical management of horses with laminitis, but in vivo studies are needed to confirm these findings.
© 2022 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2022-04-18 PubMed ID: 35437771DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13808Google 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.

The abstract discusses a research study investigating the use of double hemitenotomy (DHT), a surgical technique, as an alternative to a full deep digital flexor tendon cut (tenotomy) in horses. The results indicated that DHT was comparable in its efficacy to complete tenotomy in terms of reducing load, though it did decrease tensile strength.

Methodology

  • The study was an experimental research conducted ex vivo (meaning tests were done on organs and tissues outside the body). The materials used involved isolated deep digital flexor tendons (DDFTs) and cadaveric forelimbs of horses.
  • The first part of the study involved 15 isolated DDFT pairs. In one of the pairs, two hemitenotomies were created while the other was kept as reference. Then, they applied a monotonic tensile load, a continuous and unvarying load, and recorded the tendon lengthening, load reduction, and load at failure.
  • In the second part, 16 cadaveric forelimb pairs were tested. They were subjected to DHT and then to complete tenotomy under a monotonic compressive load, which is a load applied in one direction causing the materials to compact. The differences between the two surgical techniques were assessed utilizing statistical tests.

Results

  • In both isolated tendons and cadaveric forelimbs, DHT resulted in lengthening of the DDFT and a reduction of load.’
  • Despite inducing less lengthening compared to complete tenotomy, DHT demonstrated a similar level of load reduction.
  • One noteworthy finding was that the load reduction following the first hemitenotomy incision was less than the second one.
  • When examined under tensile load, the DHT tendons failed at 195 kg while no failure was observed with intact tendons.

Conclusion

  • The study’s findings suggest that double hemitenotomy has a comparable efficacy to complete tenotomy in terms of load reduction.
  • Although DHT reduced the tensile strength, the load at failure was similar or even exceeded the estimated load at the horse’s stance, implying that it could still withstand the horse’s weight.
  • The researchers concluded that hemitenotomy might be a valuable alternative for surgical management in horses suffering from laminitis. However, they recommend further in vivo (experiments done in the living body) studies to confirm these results.

Cite This Article

APA
Zetterström SM, Boone LH, Farag R, Weimar WH, Caldwell FJ. (2022). Effect of single and double hemitenotomy on equine deep digital flexor tendon length and strength in experimental load challenges. Vet Surg, 51(7), 1153-1160. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13808

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 7
Pages: 1153-1160

Researcher Affiliations

Zetterström, Sandra M
  • Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
Boone, Lindsey H
  • Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
Farag, Ramsis
  • Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
Weimar, Wendy H
  • Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.
Caldwell, Fred J
  • Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cadaver
  • Forelimb / surgery
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses / surgery
  • Tendons / surgery
  • Tenotomy / veterinary
  • Tensile Strength

Grant Funding

  • G00013097 / Birmingham Racing Commission
  • Auburn University

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Hargitaiova K, Maleas G. High-metacarpal deep digital flexor tenotomy and Steward clog shoeing for managing chronic refractory laminitis: A retrospective clinical study. Vet Surg 2026 Jan;55(1):236-247.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.70068pubmed: 41392305google scholar: lookup
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