The effects of polyester (terylene) fibre implants on normal equine superficial digital flexor tendon.
Abstract: To determine the effect of polyester (terylene) fibre implants on normal equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon structure. Methods: Normal forelimb SDF tendons (n=24) of 12 horses were divided into unoperated, sham-operated, and implanted (terylene fibre implant) groups. Horses were assessed for lameness and ultrasonographic changes to SDF tendons at intervals up to 48 weeks post-operatively. After euthanasia, SDF tendons were collected for histological and ultrastructural examination. Histological sections were examined for alcian blue staining intensity, cellularity, fibril bundle alignment, fascicle separation and crimp morphology. Mass-average diameters (MADs) of collagen fibrils were calculated from electron micrographs and compared between treatment groups. Results: Insertion of terylene fibre implants resulted in short-term (8 weeks) lameness in implanted limbs. Ultrasonographically, the implants could be detected in 50% of implanted tendons, but were associated with tendon swelling and the presence of hypoechoic core lesions in 7/8 implanted limbs. There were significant alterations in alcian blue staining, cellularity and crimp morphology in the central fascicles of sham-operated and implanted tendons, and alteration in fibril alignment in the central fascicles of implanted tendons. Unoperated tendons remained histologically normal. MADs of collagen fibrils did not differ between sham-operated, implanted and unoperated limbs. Conclusions: Both the sham procedure and the insertion of terylene fibre implants led to alterations in tendon structure that persisted for up to 48 weeks. Persistence of disorganised connective tissue at the proximal and distal ends of the terylene fibre implants may predispose implanted tendons to continued risk of injury. Conclusions: It is unlikely that terylene fibre implants offer any advantage over standard non-surgical treatments for mild to moderate cases of SDF tendonitis in the horse.
Publication Date: 2005-07-21 PubMed ID: 16032269DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2002.36309Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study examines the effects of polyester (terylene) fibre implants on the normal structure of a horse’s superficial digital flexor tendon. Results indicated that both the procedure and the implants led to changes in the tendon structure, suggesting a persistent risk of injury and implying little to no benefit over standard non-surgical treatments.
Methodology
- The research involved 12 horses with a total of 24 normal forelimb superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendons. These were divided into three groups: unoperated, sham-operated, and those with implanted terylene fibre.
- The horses’ lameness was measured alongside ultrasonographic changes to the SDF tendons at given intervals up to 48 weeks following the operation.
- Post-euthanasia, the SDF tendons were collected for histological and ultrastructural examination.
- These examinations involved checking for alcian blue staining intensity, fibril bundle alignment, cellularity, fascicle separation, and crimp morphology. Additionally, the mass-average diameters of collagen fibrils were measured from electron micrographs and compared among the treatment groups.
Results
- The procedure resulted in short-term lameness in horses with implanted limbs, noticeable up to 8 weeks post-operation.
- The implants were only detectable in 50% of the implanted tendons via ultrasonographic data, and were linked with swelling of the tendons and hypoechoic core lesions in most of the implanted limbs.
- Significant changes were observed in alcian blue staining, cellularity, and crimp morphology in central fascicles of sham-operated and implanted tendons. Furthermore, alteration in fibril alignment was seen in central fascicles of implanted tendons.
- The unoperated tendons maintained their normal histological structure.
- There was no significant difference in the mass-average diameters of collagen fibrils among the sham-operated, implanted, and unoperated tendons.
Conclusions
- Both the sham procedure and the terylene fibre implant led to persistent alterations in the tendons’ structure, observed up to 48 weeks post operation.
- The disorganised connective tissue at both ends of the terylene fibre implants may contribute to a continued risk of injury in the implanted tendons.
- The study concludes that using terylene fibre implants does not provide any significant advantage over standard non-surgical treatments for mild to moderate cases of superficial digital flexor tendonitis in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Gibson KT, Burbidge HM, Robertson ID.
(2005).
The effects of polyester (terylene) fibre implants on normal equine superficial digital flexor tendon.
N Z Vet J, 50(5), 186-194.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2002.36309 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Kathy.Gibson@affa.gov.au
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Hefferan SA, Blaker CL, Ashton DM, Little CB, Clarke EC. Structural Variations of Tendons: A Systematic Search and Narrative Review of Histological Differences Between Tendons, Tendon Regions, Sex, and Age. J Orthop Res 2025 May;43(5):994-1011.
- El-Shafaey el-SA, Karrouf GI, Zaghloul AE. Clinical and biomechanical evaluation of three bioscaffold augmentation devices used for superficial digital flexor tenorrhaphy in donkeys (Equus asinus): An experimental study. J Adv Res 2013 Jan;4(1):103-13.
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