title: Use of a bioabsorbable implant for the repair of severed digital flexor tendons in four horses.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Farm Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eliashar
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Schramme
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ikada
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D014463:Ultrasonography