Radiographic (iir-tendograms and angiographic) observations following homologous tendon grafting in equines

Abstract

Summary Air-tendograms and angiograms were performed in donkeys after superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon grafting and traumatizing the deep digital flexor (DDF) tendon in the mid metacarpal region of the left forelimb. An amniotic membrane casing was performed around the SDF and DDF tendons. Air-tendograms were performed in eight animals each in groups 1,2 and 3 on days 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120; in two animals of group 4 on days 60 and 120, postoperatively. In the animals of groups 1, 2, and 3, the deep frozen, plasma stored and glycerine preserved tendon grafts were used respectively; whereas in group 4 animals (control), no grafting or amniotic casing was performed. Angiograms were performed on the 120th day after grafting in all the groups. Air-tendograms suggested the presence of a moderate increase in soft tissue density (thickening) of SDF and DDF tendons up to day 15 after grafting. Soft tissue density reduced in groups 1 and 2 which could be seen as mild thickening on day 60 that significantly reduced on day 90 and reached near normal on day 120. It persisted until the 120th postoperative day in groups 3 and 4. Clear lines of demarcations (air-densities) between various tendons and ligaments were not discernible on day 30 in groups 1 and 2. But at days 90 and 120 the demarcations were clearly seen after tendon surgery. These demarcations were partial in group 3 where glycerine-stored tendon grafts were used. In group 4, increased soft tissue density was seen in the tenectomized area with swollen tendon stumps. Air-tendograms also helped, in assessing the tendon continuity, healing and peritendinous adhesion formation after tendon surgery. Angiographic studies did not reveal any significant change. Tendon thickening and peritendinous adhesions were minimal in plasma stored and deep frozen tendon grafts as compared to glycerine, saline stored in the control animals.