Management of ruptured superficial digital flexor tendon using stay splint in a mule

摘要

In contrast to other tendons, the digital flexor tendons exhibit considerable elasticity that is used to store energy for efficient locomotion (Alexander, 1991). Tendon rupture can occur in association with excessive stress, and complete rupture of the flexor tendon is not usually observed unless there is some previous infection or degeneration. Many techniques were tried to repair the tendon rupture, and the common amongst is surgical suturing of ruptured ends using three loop pulley sutures and double locking loop or triple locking loop sutures using carbon fibre filaments, No. 1 or 2, polydiaxonone and poly glycolate sutures with varied results (Pennington, 1979; Nixon et al, 1984). The out come of tendon lacerations and rupture are unsatisfactory (Gelberman et al., 1986). Whether tendons are sutured primarily or left to heal secondarily, the postoperative support is necessary, which is required not only to prevent tension on the anastomosis causing dehiscence, but also to allow revascularization (Paecock and Van Winkle, 1976). The plaster cast has been recommended for immobilization of the equine limb following severance of digital flexor tendons to minimize the gap in the early stages of healing. In the present case a successful effort has been made to manage ruptured SOFT in a mule using stay splint.