Tenoscopic-assisted treatment of open digital flexor tendon sheath injuries in horses: 20 cases (1992-2001).

The research investigates the effectiveness of tenoscopic-assisted treatment for open injuries in the digital flexor tendon sheath of horses. Researchers reviewed records of 20 horses, noting details such as history, treatments, and outcomes. The findings suggest that tenoscopy, when combined with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial treatment, offers good chances of survival and recovery for affected horses.

Methods

• The researchers adopted a retrospective study design, examining medical records of 20 horses with open injuries to the digital flexor tendon sheath.
• The records provided comprehensive information on each horse’s history, physical and diagnostic examination results, bacteriologic culture and susceptibility testing results, the surgical and medical treatments administered, and follow-up examination results.
• The outcomes of the treatment were determined via telephone interviews or physical examinations.

Results

• Every horse involved in the study received tenoscopic-assisted lavage and debridement as treatment.
• Eighteen out of the twenty horses survived, while two were euthanized during the treatment process.
• Prior to treatment, all involved horses demonstrated grade-4 or grade-5 lameness.
• Half of the horses were able to return to their previous usage post-treatment. A quarter of the horses exhibited mild lameness but were still able to function athletically.
• Three horses were deemed mechanically lame and thus continued use with reduced expectations. One horse was not available for follow-up after being sold, and two were euthanized – one due to financial constraints and the other due to complications from regional sepsis.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that tenoscopy is a useful treatment tool for open injuries to the digital flexor tendon sheath in horses. This is partly due to the advantages offered by tenoscopy, such as direct viewing, guided debridement, and targeted large-volume lavage.
• Furthermore, the combination of tenoscopy with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial treatments seems to offer a favorable chance of survival and recovery for the affected horses.