Objective
To determine typical clinical features associated with tears of the manica flexoria (MF) and prognosis for return to athletic function after surgical resection.
Study design
Case series.
Methods
Medical records (January 2001–December 2011) of horses that underwent tenoscopic surgical treatment of MF tears were reviewed and outcome obtained by telephone questionnaire of owners.
Results
Fifty three horses (65 MF tears) were treated; 83% were cobs or ponies. Injuries occurred more frequently in hindlimbs (85%) and effusion of the digital flexor tendon sheath was associated with all MF tears. Follow-up (>3 months after surgery) revealed that 42 horses (79%) returned to pre-injury level of ridden exercise, 7 horses returned to a lower level of exercise, 3 remained lame, and 1 was euthanatized.
Conclusions
Injury to the MF is most likely to occur in hindlimbs with cobs and ponies overrepresented.
