Page 65 - Manual of Equine Field Surgery

Mid Metacarpal-Metatarsal Tendon Laceration Repair 61

horse has been placed under anesthesia. Stabiliza-

tion should be applied before induction of anes-

thesia or transport. Flexor tendon lacerations,

whether complete or partial, require Kimzey

splint (Kimzey Welding Works, Woodland, Calif.)

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application or similar support to reduce the

tension on the flexor tendons (Figure 9-8). Exten-

sor tendon lacerations can be stabilized in a

weight-bearing position by incorporating a PVC

or wood splint into the bandage along the dorsal

or palmar-plantar surface of the limb (Figure

9-9).

Figure 9-1 Flexor tendon laceration i11 the mid

metacarpal region proximal to the flexor tendon sheath. Synovial Structure Involvement

If the wound is near the digital sheath, involve-

ment of the sheath can be determined by asepti-

cally inserting a needle into the sheath at a site

distal from the wound and distending the sheath

with sterile saline. Involvement of the sheath is

confirmed if fluid is observed at the wound site.

Vascular Status

Laceration of the digital vein and artery may

accompany flexor tendon lacerations. In general,

despite significant laceration of the vasculature, it

is rare to have ischemic complications if only one

Figure 9-2 Flexer tendon laceration in the palmar side of the vasculature is transected. Lacerations

pastern region involving the flexor tendon sheath. involving both the lateral and medial vasculature

Common digital extensor Long digital extensor

tendon tendon --..,...
MC Ill

Lateral digital

extensor tendon

-MT Ill

MT IV

A B

~'2(/'w'~ -f~

Figure 9-3 A, Transverse section through the middle metacarpal region. B, Transverse section through the middle

metatarsal region.

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