Objective: To describe the use of a cryogenic clamp of novel design for tensile strength testing of tendinous and ligamentous tissues with inherently high tensile strength. Methods: Inexpensive, easily machined steel clamps were manufactured to facilitate rapid insertion into a standard wedge-screw grip apparatus installed on a testing system with a control system attached. The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) of six horses was trimmed to a uniform dumbbell shape and secured in clamps using partial submersion in liquid nitrogen for approximately 45 seconds and immediately tested.
Tendon
Journal: Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Journal: Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Objectives: Platelet preparations have become a treatment for soft tissue injuries in horses. This study evaluated a novel filter-based system to concentrate platelets and assesses its value in the treatment of suspensory ligament branch desmitis. Methods: Filtered platelet concentrate was prepared from 55 ml of venous blood obtained from 21 normal horses. Platelets and white blood cells in whole blood and filtered platelet concentrate were measured, as was platelet activating factor (PAF)–induced platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) release.
Journal: The Veterinary Journal
It was hypothesised that there is increased blood vessel frequency and proteoglycan staining intensity within the distal aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in horses with chronic foot pain. Samples of the DDFT from three standardised sites from 10 age-matched mature horses, with chronic foot pain (Group L) or with no history of forelimb lameness (Group N), were collected for this study.
Journal: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
This study was carried out to evaluate the healing potential of water-soluble extract of Plantago lanceolata as a topical ointment on experimental tendinitis in burros. Tendinitis was induced by injection of 2,500 U of bacterial collagenase in the superficial digital flexor tendon of both forelimbs of six male burros. Tendinitis was confirmed ultrasonographically.
Journal: Veterinary Surgery
Objective: To test single cycle to failure tensile strength characteristics of 6 suture material–pattern combinations in equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tenorrhaphy, specifically to compare a 10-strand modification of the Savage core suture technique with the 3-loop pulley technique.
Study Design: Ex vivo mechanical experiment comparing 3 different suture patterns with 2 different materials.
Sample Population: Forelimb and hindlimb SDF tendons (n=48) harvested from adult Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses of mixed age and gender.
Category: Equine - Tendon - Traumatology
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Tendonopathy of the distal portion of the deep digital flexor tendon is a newly recognised, important cause of foot lameness in horses. Although the pathological morphology of lesions has been well described, the aetiopathogenesis remains uncertain. A conclusive diagnosis can only be made with magnetic resonance imaging, but the results of a thorough clinical examination, including regional analgesia and other imaging modalities may lead to a strong suspicion of deep digital flexor tendonopathy in the foot.
Journal: The Veterinary Journal
Equine degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a debilitating condition that has limited response to rest and stall confinement. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that mild to moderate DSLD is not worsened by consistent exercise. Paso Fino and Peruvian Paso horses (two normal horses and four horses with DSLD) were exercised for 30 min every other day for 8 weeks and then pasture rested for 4 months. Gait analysis, radiographs, ultrasound and serum insulin and glucose concentrations were performed prior to the exercise trial and at each time point.
Journal: American Journal of Veterinary Research
Objective—To evaluate tendon injuries in horses over a 16-week period by use of ultrasonography and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Sample—Tendons of 8 young adult horses.
Procedures—The percentage of experimentally induced tendon injury was evaluated in cross section at the maximal area of injury by use of ultrasonography and MRI at 3, 4, 6, 8, and 16 weeks after collagenase injection. The MRI signal intensities and histologic characteristics of each tendon were determined at the same time points.
Category: Equine - MRI - Tendon - Ultrasound
Journal: Veterinary Surgery
Objective: To evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on collagenase-induced lesions in the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) of horses.
Study Design: Paired, blinded controlled study.
Animals: Eight Thoroughbred horses (3 mares, 5 geldings; mean±SD weight, 464±26 kg, mean age, 8±1.7 years).
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
Reasons for performing the study: Highly prevalent superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury results in compromised tendon function through fibrosis and high frequency of re-injury due to altered biomechanical function. This study investigated the consequences of SDF tendinopathy on limb mechanics in relation to the mechanical properties of injured tendon.
Objectives: To develop and validate a noninvasive in vivo assessment of tendon mechanics to investigate the effect of recent SDFT injury on limb stiffness index, providing an objective method to assess quality of healing.