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Injuries of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon in 19 horses.
Abstract: Injuries of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon and their relationship to displacement of the tendon from the calcaneus have not previously been reported. Objective: To describe findings made on clinical cases with disruption of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) including observations on their role in horses with unstable subluxation of the tendon. To describe novel surgical techniques and the results of treatment. Objective: Disruption of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT is associated with lameness and distension of the calcaneal bursa. Unstable displacement of the SDFT from the calcaneus is a more complex injury than incomplete disruption of one of its calcaneal insertions. Methods: The case records and diagnostic images of horses with lesions involving the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT, which were confirmed by endoscopic evaluation of calcaneal bursa between 2005 and 2009, were reviewed. Results: Nineteen horses were identified including 7 that had unstable displacement of the tendon from the calcaneus. Following endoscopic surgery, 9 of 12 horses with stable tendons and 6 of 7 horses with unstable displaced SDFTs returned to work. Conclusions: Tearing of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT is associated with lameness and distension of the calcaneal bursa; endoscopic removal of the torn tissue carries a good prognosis. Horses with unstable displacement of the tendon have also disruption of the tendon fibrocartilage cap. Removal of this results in stable subluxation and can return horses to athletic activity. Both lesions can be detected by preoperative ultrasonography. Conclusions: Tearing of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT should be included in the differential diagnoses of lame horses with distended calcaneal bursae. Tearing of the tendon fibrocartilage cap in horses with unstable displacement of the SDFT is a plausible explanation of the clinical features of the injury and explains previously unreliable results of reconstructive surgeries. Subtotal resection is a technically demanding technique but appears to offer an improved prognosis.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-08-18 PubMed ID: 21848537DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00417.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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This study explores the disruption of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in horses, presents novel surgical techniques, and discusses results of the treatment. The research found that disruption of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT is associated with lameness and a complex injury than incomplete disruption of one of its calcaneal insertions.
Understanding the Injuries and Objective of the Study
- The study investigates the injuries of the calcaneal insertions of the shallow flexor tendon within horses, which had not been previously reported.
- The objective of the study was to describe the nature of these clinical cases that deal with the disruption of calcaneal insertions and to outline newly devised surgical approaches as well as the subsequent results of the treatment.
Methods of the Research
- The researchers analysed case records and diagnostic images of horses with injuries involving their calcaneal insertions from between 2005 to 2009.
- The existence of these lesions had been confirmed via endoscopic evaluation which also allowed for the bursa of the calcaneus to be examined.
Results of the Research
- A total of nineteen horses were found to have such lesions, of which seven demonstrated unstable displacement of the tendon from the calcaneus.
- Nine out of twelve horses with stable tendons, and six of seven with unstable displaced SDFTs were able to return to work following the endoscopic surgery.
Conclusion and Implications of the Research
- According to the study, tearing of the calcaneal insertions of the SDFT correlates with lameness and distension of the calcaneal bursa, while endoscopic removal of the torn tissue results in good prognosis.
- Horses displaying an unstable displacement of the tendon also usually show a disruption of the tendon fibrocartilage cap. The removal of this can lead to stable subluxation and enable horses to return to athletic activity.
- These findings can be detected by preoperative ultrasonography and should be considered among differential diagnoses of lame horses with distended calcaneal bursae.
- The researchers also concluded that tearing of the tendon fibrocartilage cap in horses with unstable displacement of the SDFT is a plausible explanation of the clinical features of the injury and explains the previously unreliable results of reconstructive surgeries.
- Finally, they pointed out that subtotal resection is a technically demanding procedure but seems to provide an improved prognosis.
Cite This Article
APA
Wright IM, Minshall GJ.
(2011).
Injuries of the calcaneal insertions of the superficial digital flexor tendon in 19 horses.
Equine Vet J, 44(2), 136-142.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00417.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Newmarket Equine Hospital, Cambridge Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. referrals@neh.uk.com
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Forelimb
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses / injuries
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Tendon Injuries / pathology
- Tendon Injuries / surgery
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Isgren CM, Salem SE, Singer ER, Wylie CE, Lipreri G, Graham RJTY, Bladon B, Boswell JC, Fiske-Jackson AR, Mair TS, Rubio-Martínez LM. A multi-centre cohort study investigating the outcome of synovial contamination or sepsis of the calcaneal bursae in horses treated by endoscopic lavage and debridement. Equine Vet J 2020 May;52(3):404-410.
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