Treatment of septic common digital extensor tenosynovitis by complete resection in seven horses

Abstract

Objective - To describe and evaluate a technique for radical resection of the entire intrathecal component of the common digital extensor tendon (CDET) in horses. Study Design - Prospective clinical study. Animals or Sample Population - Seven client-owned horses. Methods - Seven horses with wounds that resulted in septic tenosynovitis of the CDET sheath were treated by complete surgical resection of the affected tendon and ablation of the tendon sheath; 5 had previous surgery that was unsuccessful. Time from initial injury to complete resection was 1-22 weeks. In 6 horses, the wound was closed primarily using a closed suction (4 horses), penrose (1), or passive open drainage system (1). In 1 horse, the surgical wound healed by second intention. All horses had postoperative bandaging, antibiotic administration, and physiotherapy. Results - Surgical wounds healed primarily in 6 horses and by second intention in 1 horse. Followup (mean, 26.4 months; range, 18-38 months) was available for 6 horses; all returned to their athletic performance level without lameness or gait abnormality. Conclusions - Complete resection of the CDET was an effective surgical technique for management of chronic septic tenosynovitis. Clinical Relevance - Horses with infection of the CDET and its sheath may be returned to long-term soundness without gait abnormality after radical resection. © Copyright 2004 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.