Diagnostic imaging of tendinopathies of the superficial flexor tendon in horses

Dagmar Berner

doi:10.1136/vr.j5746

Abstract

Tendinopathy of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) occurs in all types of sport horses and is a common reason for wastage in the racing thoroughbred.1–4 In most clinical cases...

Highlights

In the following proliferation phase, new collagen fibres are formed and will organise over time resulting in immature scar tissue with increased echogenicity on ultrasound (Fig 2)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography showed only moderate agreement with clinical Achilles tendinopathies, but MRI grade was correlated to clinical outcome, which was not found for ultrasonography.[21]
Despite these investigations only being short-term the major result was that the difference in signal changes over time did not follow the same pattern as lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in the hoof region

Summary

Introduction

In the following proliferation phase, new collagen fibres are formed and will organise over time resulting in immature scar tissue with increased echogenicity on ultrasound (Fig 2). Ultrasound examinations should be performed every three months for close monitoring of tendon healing, early recognition of re-injuries and for optimal management throughout the rehabilitation period.

Results

Conclusion