Outcome after lacerations of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, suspensory ligament and/or distal sesamoidean ligaments in 106 horses.

This research article investigates the outcome after surgical treatment on horses with lacerations to the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, suspensory ligament, and/or distal sesamoidean ligaments. The findings indicate a high survival rate but only 55% of the horses returned to their previous activity level, with the number of affected structures being the primary factor in determining this.

Methods of Research

• The researchers conducted a case study on 106 horses with lacerations on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), suspensory ligament (SL), and/or distal sesamoidean ligaments (DSL).
• They considered several factors, including signalment, limb and tendon/ligament involvement, method of repair, and the eventual outcome.
• The researchers analyzed medical records that covered a span of 14 years (from 1988 to 2002).
• The age range of the horses at the time of their injury and the length of time they were monitored after the injury were also recorded.

Results of the Study

• The average age of the horses was about 7 years, and the follow-up time after surgery ranged from 1 to 10 years.
• Out of the total horses, 55% were able to return to their initial level of performance, 27% returned to a lower level of activity, while 18% were euthanized.
• The investigators used multivariate statistical analysis to identify key factors influencing the outcome.
• The study found that the number of structures that had been lacerated held the most significant influence on the outcome.
• No significant association was discovered between the outcome and factors such as tendon sheath involvement, tendon suturing, casting, or the limb that was affected.
• The most common complication post-surgery was fetlock hyperextension.

Conclusions Drawn from the Study

• The study shows that after surgical treatment of SDFT, DDFT, SL, and/or DSL lacerations in horses, there is a high survival rate.
• However, only 55% of the horses could return to their previous level of performance post-surgery, showing a direct impact on their activity level.
• Notably, the number of structures that received lacerations was a major determinant of whether horses could return to their initial performance level.