Tendon injuries in horses treated with carbon fibre implants.

The research study discusses the use of carbon fiber implants to treat digital flexor tendon injuries in horses, indicating positive results with minimal side effects, and superior outcomes compared to other repair materials.

Research Methodology

• The research involved the treatment of strains and ruptures of digital flexor tendons in 46 horses using carbon fiber implants.
• The implants were made by braiding a pack of 10,000 filaments of a specific type of carbon fiber known as Grafil type HT-S.
• The study provides clinical data and describes the techniques used in the surgical procedure.

Research Findings

• The surgery had minimal adverse side effects. Only two horses had complications where the implant was extruded and needed to be removed.
• Of the 34 horses treated for acute or chronic tendinitis, 14 returned to racing, seven were utilized as hunters, and seven as riding horses (hacks).
• Seven out of the 14 horses that returned to racing experienced another strain while racing, but continued to perform well afterward.
• Severed tendons were treated in twelve horses. From these, all except one, which suffered from infection, made good recovery.

Comparison with Other Repair Materials

• Overall, the use of carbon fiber implants resulted in better recovery outcomes in horses as compared to those achieved with other types of repair materials.