33rd Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Introduction
Desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (AL-SDFT) has been described as a successful adjunctive treatment, and preventative measure against the recurrence of superficial digital flexor tendinitis in the forelimbs of racing and event horses. Currently there are no publications describing the success rate of this procedure in the general Warmblood population.

The aim of this prospective study is to report on the outcome of Warmblood horses that underwent tenoscopic desmotomy of the AL-SDFT for treatment of SDFT tendinitis.

Materials and Methods
Sixty-two horses with SDFT tendinitis in one or both forelimbs were included in the study. Breed, age, sex, use, limb(s) affected, duration of lameness/tendinitis, grade of lameness, size and location of the SDFT lesion, duration of surgery, intra-operative findings, complications, duration of hospitalisation, treatment with PRP and outcome following surgery were recorded.

Results
A total of 39 horses (62.9 %) returned to pre-injury performance following the procedure. A lower level of performance was observed in 11 horses (17.7 %) and 11 horses (17.7 %) had persistent or recurrent SDFT injuries. One horse required euthanasia due to septic tenosynovitis. A significantly better outcome was observed in patients with lesions in the proximal half of the metacarpal region. The size of the SDFT lesion and intra-lesional injection with PRP had no effect on patient outcome.

Conclusions
Desmotomy of the AL-SDFT protects against recurrence of SDFT tendinitis in Warmblood horses. Tenoscopic, incomplete, desmotomy of the AL-SDFT resulted in a better outcome than with conventional open desmotomy.