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Use of a bioabsorbable implant for the repair of severed digital flexor tendons in four horses
Author(s) -
Eliashar E.,
Schramme M. C.,
Schumacher J.,
Smith R. K. W.,
Ikada Y.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
veterinary record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2042-7670
pISSN - 0042-4900
DOI - 10.1136/vr.148.16.506
Subject(s) - implant , medicine , flexor muscles , surgery , anatomy
A new bioabsorbable implant composed of poly‐L‐lactic acid was used to repair the severed digital flexor tendons of four horses. The limbs were immobilised with distal casts which were changed after six to eight weeks and removed after 12 to 16 weeks. The horses were followed clinically and ultrasonographically for from seven to 19 months after the surgery. The ultrasonographic examination after the cast had been removed showed that the implants had been well incorporated into scar tissue. Two of the horses were mildly lame at the trot seven months after the surgery, but had returned to work after 12 months. The other two horses are still lame. No complications were observed with the implant.