Ultrasonic debridement with stem cell therapy of suspensory branch desmitis in an equine patient.
Abstract: Ultrasonic debridement as a treatment for tendinopathy and desmitis is a relatively new approach in orthopedic surgery. Previously only used in limited cases, this procedure shows promise for treating ligament-bone and tendon-bone interface injuries. We present a case study of a 2-yr-old thoroughbred male horse, unable to train due to recalcitrant symptoms after extensive conservative management of suspensory branch desmitis. It was then treated with ultrasonic debridement and concurrent manubrial stem cell autograft injection, to treat the ultrasound visualized lesion. Post-surgically, the patient recovered quickly, began training within 16 wk, and went onto win several races. Repeat ultrasound imaging reveals a complete restoration of the internal fiber architecture of the ligament. With a 3-yr follow-up, there has been consistent training and race performance with no re-injury. This study is the first to document the successful outcome of ultrasonic debridement with concurrent stem cell injection in the treatment of equine desmitis.
Publication Date: 2019-03-12 PubMed ID: 31086767PubMed Central: PMC6500858DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v9i1.10Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research investigates the potential of ultrasonic debridement combined with stem cell therapy in treating suspensory branch desmitis in horses, with findings suggesting it to be an effective treatment resulting in a quick recovery and successful racing performance.
Background and Procedure
- The paper describes a new approach to treating tendinopathy and desmitis, conditions affecting tendons or ligaments, using ultrasonic debridement. Unlike previous traditional methods, this technique could be used for injuries where a ligament or tendon attaches to a bone.
- The subject of the case study is a two-year-old thoroughbred male horse which had suspensory branch desmitis, an inflammation of a ligament in the lower leg. Despite extensive conservative treatment, the horse’s symptoms did not improve and it was unable to train.
Application of the Procedure
- The horse was treated using ultrasonic debridement, a process that involved using ultrasound-guided equipment to surgically remove damaged tissue from the site of the injury. This was coupled with a manubrial stem cell autograft injection, which involves injecting the horse’s own stem cells into the injured area to promote healing.
Results and Outcome
- Following the procedure, the horse’s recovery was rapid, with it beginning to train within 16 weeks and subsequently winning races. There was visible restoration of the ligament’s internal fiber structure as seen in post-procedure ultrasound imaging.
- The horse had maintained steady training and racing performance over a three-year follow-up period, with no re-injury reported, implying the effectiveness of the treatment.
Significance of the Study
- This study is significant because it is the first to document the successful use of ultrasonic debridement in combination with stem cell therapy for treating equine desmitis.
- The findings suggest that this treatment procedure could potentially be used effectively for treating not only suspensory branch desmitis but also other ligament-bone and tendon-bone interface injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Kamineni S, Ruggles A, Ashfaq H.
(2019).
Ultrasonic debridement with stem cell therapy of suspensory branch desmitis in an equine patient.
Open Vet J, 9(1), 54-57.
https://doi.org/10.4314/ovj.v9i1.10 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Elbow Shoulder Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA.
- Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington KY, USA.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Elbow Shoulder Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington KY, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Autografts / transplantation
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / veterinary
- Debridement / veterinary
- Hindlimb / surgery
- Horse Diseases / radiotherapy
- Horses
- Inflammation / radiotherapy
- Inflammation / surgery
- Inflammation / veterinary
- Ligaments / immunology
- Ligaments / surgery
- Male
- Stem Cell Transplantation / veterinary
- Ultrasonography / veterinary
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
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This article includes 18 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Vlahos TP. Percutaneous ultrasonic debridement of equine tendinopathy and desmopathy: A report of 10 cases. Open Vet J 2023 Sep;13(9):1141-1149.
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