Injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon branches: Clinical presentation, diagnostic features and outcome

IF 0.8 4区农林科学 Q3 VETERINARY SCIENCES

Equine Veterinary Education Pub Date : 2026-04-01 Epub Date: 2025-07-18 DOI:10.1111/eve.14205

P. Spiesshofer, V. O'Hara, K. S. Garrett, R. K. Smith

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Injury of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) branch is uncommon and the response to different treatments has not been reported.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic features, treatment methods, and outcome of horses diagnosed with SDFT branch injuries. We hypothesised that the application of ancillary treatments would improve outcome and reduce re-injury rate. We further hypothesised that SDFT branch injuries associated with avulsion fractures would have a decreased probability of return to racing.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Data from medical records of horses diagnosed with SDFT branch injuries over a 10-year period (2014–2024) were reviewed. The inclusion criterion was the diagnosis of non-septic overstrain tendonitis of the SDFT branch based on ultrasonographic evaluation. Outcomes (return to racing, re-injury, and earnings) were compared with diagnostic features and treatment modalities for Thoroughbred racehorses.

Results

Twenty-one Thoroughbreds and nine other breeds were included in the descriptive data. Lesions in the forelimb were overrepresented (n = 25, hindlimb n = 7). There was an even split between the laterality of the affected branches (medial and lateral). Of the Thoroughbred racehorses that had raced prior to injury, 7/13 (53.8%) returned to racing. Overall, 9/20 (45%) surviving horses raced post-injury. No treatment group was significantly associated with a higher probability of return to racing compared to conservative management alone. The presence of avulsion fractures did not adversely affect the return to racing statistically (p = 0.84). The re-injury rate was 19%.

Main Limitations

Small size of treatment groups with heterogeneous treatment regimens and lack of a standardised rehabilitation programme.

Conclusions

Of the Thoroughbred racehorses with SDFT branch injuries, 45% returned to racing. The presence of avulsion fractures did not decrease the likelihood of return to racing. Ancillary treatments did not influence the overall outcome, although the statistical power was limited.

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指浅屈肌腱分支损伤：临床表现、诊断特征和结果

背景：指浅屈肌腱（SDFT）分支损伤并不常见，对不同治疗方法的反应尚未见报道。本研究的目的是描述被诊断为SDFT分支损伤的马的临床表现、诊断特征、治疗方法和结果。我们假设辅助治疗的应用可以改善预后并降低再损伤率。我们进一步假设与撕脱骨折相关的SDFT分支损伤会降低恢复比赛的可能性。研究设计回顾性病例系列。方法回顾2014-2024年10年间诊断为SDFT分支损伤的马匹病历资料。纳入标准为超声评价诊断SDFT支非败血性过度劳损肌腱炎。结果（恢复比赛，再次受伤和收益）与纯种马的诊断特征和治疗方式进行比较。结果描述性数据包括21种纯种马和9种其他品种。前肢病变过多（n = 25，后肢n = 7）。在受影响的分支（内侧和外侧）的侧边之间有均匀的分裂。在受伤前参加比赛的纯种马中，7/13（53.8%）重返比赛。总体而言，9/20（45%）幸存的马在受伤后参加了比赛。与单独保守治疗组相比，没有任何治疗组与更高的恢复比赛概率显著相关。撕脱性骨折的存在对恢复比赛没有不利影响（p = 0.84）。再伤率为19%。主要局限性：治疗组规模小，治疗方案不统一，缺乏标准化的康复方案。结论纯种马SDFT分支损伤后，45%的纯种马恢复比赛。撕脱性骨折的存在并没有降低恢复比赛的可能性。辅助治疗不影响总体结果，尽管统计效力有限。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Equine Veterinary Education 农林科学-兽医学

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

22.20%

发文量

132

审稿时长

18-36 weeks

期刊介绍： Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) is the official journal of post-graduate education of both the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Equine Veterinary Education is a monthly, peer-reviewed, subscription-based journal, integrating clinical research papers, review articles and case reports from international sources, covering all aspects of medicine and surgery relating to equids. These papers facilitate the dissemination and implementation of new ideas and techniques relating to clinical veterinary practice, with the ultimate aim of promoting best practice. New developments are placed in perspective, encompassing new concepts and peer commentary. The target audience is veterinarians primarily engaged in the practise of equine medicine and surgery. The educational value of a submitted article is one of the most important criteria that are assessed when deciding whether to accept it for publication. Articles do not necessarily need to contain original or novel information but we welcome submission of this material. The educational value of an article may relate to articles published with it (e.g. a Case Report may not have direct educational value but an associated Clinical Commentary or Review Article published alongside it will enhance the educational value).