34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Soft tissue injuries, particularly tendinopathies, are common in horses. This study evaluates the use of percutaneous ultrasonic debridement for treatment of superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) injuries.

Methods:

Medical records of all horses that underwent percutaneous ultrasonic debridement (Tenex Health TXÒ System, Lake Forest, CA) for SDFT or SL injuries were retrospectively reviewed. Lesions were debrided under ultrasonographic guidance using a 1.3” (TX1) or 2” (TX2) probe through a 3 mm incision under standing sedation or general anesthesia and injected with platelet-rich plasma. All horses underwent a controlled rehabilitation program and were periodically reevaluated.

Results:

Thirty-three horses underwent the procedure between 2018 and 2021. Median age was 10 yrs (range, 2-17 yrs). Breeds included Thoroughbreds (n=15), Warmbloods (n=15), and other breeds (n=3). The most common disciplines were racing (n=13) and show jumping (n=11). The procedure was safely performed in all cases. Overall, 92% of horses returned to work, with 77% achieving their previous performance levels. Specifically, 92% of horses with SDFT lesions and 87% with SL injuries returned to work (77% and 75% at the previous level, respectively). The re-injury rate was low at 14% (1 SDFT and 2 SL injuries).

Conclusions:

Percutaneous ultrasonic debridement appears to be a safe and effective alternative for treating equine soft tissue injuries. Prospective, controlled studies on various types of injuries and the potential benefits of adjunct therapies are warranted.