Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Deep digital flexor tendon shortening as a treatment for distal interphalangeal joint hyperextension in a 2-year-old mare.
- Journal:
- Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Kelmer, G & Kramer, J
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A two-year-old Quarter Horse mare had trouble with her lower leg joints, specifically hyperextension (where the joint bends too far backward) due to damage from past injuries. To help her, veterinarians shortened a tendon in her leg through a surgical procedure. After the surgery, she felt much better, was able to move around more easily, and her leg looked more normal. Two years later, she was comfortable and happy while grazing in the pasture.
Abstract
Shortening of the deep digital flexor tendon was performed by tenotomy, overlapping and anastomosis. The procedure was performed on a two-year-old Quarter Horse Mare with distal interphalangeal joint hyperextension with subluxation and metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension. These problems originated from damage to the digital flexor tendons, presumably due to previous distal limb trauma. The procedure markedly improved the mare's level of comfort, degree of ambulation and limb conformation. Two years following surgery the mare was comfortable at pasture.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17143399/