Desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in the forelimb of 24 horses 2 years and older.
Authors: Yiannikouris Stavros, Schneider Robert K, Sampson Sarah N, Roberts Greg
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Accessory Ligament Desmotomy in Adult Horses: A 12-Year Clinical Review Between 1996 and 2008, Yiannikouris and colleagues reviewed outcomes in 24 adult horses (mean age 6.7 years) undergoing desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT), performed for either primary ALDDFT desmitis (n=9) or flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (n=15). Long-term follow-up data spanning 12–120 months post-surgery demonstrated that 82% of horses (18 of 22 with complete outcome information) successfully returned to their intended use within 6–24 months, though outcomes differed slightly between indications: 75% for ALDDFT desmitis versus 86% for flexural deformity. These findings suggest that ALDDFT desmotomy represents a viable surgical option for managing chronic deep digital flexor apparatus pathology in mature horses, with particularly encouraging results when addressing flexural contracture. Clinicians should note that whilst outcomes are generally positive, mean return to work extended to 12 months, reflecting the slow remodelling requirements of deep digital structures, and approximately 18% of cases did not achieve their pre-injury functional level, warranting informed discussion with owners regarding realistic expectations and individual variation in healing response.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •ALDDFT desmotomy is an effective surgical treatment for adult horses with ALDDFT desmitis or FDDIJ, with 75-86% returning to work
- •Expect 12-month average recovery time, with most horses returning to intended use within 6-24 months post-surgery
- •This procedure should be considered in mature horses with these conditions before pursuing more invasive interventions
Key Findings
- •18 of 22 horses (82%) returned to intended use within 6-24 months after ALDDFT desmotomy, with mean recovery time of 12 months
- •75% of horses with ALDDFT desmitis returned to intended use following desmotomy
- •86% of horses with flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint returned to intended use following desmotomy