Tenectomy of the superficial digital flexor tendon as a treatment of suspected septic tendinitis and tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath followed by rehabilitation with an orthotic device

Abstract

Summary A 15‐year‐old Sports horse gelding was referred for nonweightbearing lameness of the left hindlimb. Septic cellulitis was diagnosed and managed medically. After 14 days, septic tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS), with septic tendinitis of the superficial (SDFT) and deep (DDFT) digital flexor tendons, became evident. Surgical resection of the intrathecal portion of the septic SDFT was performed. Post‐operatively, a half‐limb cast was placed on the operated limb for 10 weeks followed by an articulated orthotic support boot during a rehabilitation period of 6 weeks. The horse recovered and regained long‐term pasture soundness. Ultrasonography demonstrated the presence of bridging connective tissue in the location of the resected SDFT.

‘Bridging the gap’: A spontaneous demonstration of regenerative medicine?

“…A case report published in this issue of Equine Veterinary Education (Lenoir et al 2020) documents the radical surgical resection of a portion of the superficial digital flexor tendon in an area that usually shows poor natural healing. This case report is interesting because the gap became filled with tissue with similarities to tendon on ultrasound and enabled the horse to regain soundness with the aid of an orthotic device.…”