Tenoscopic surgical treatment of tears of the manica flexoria in 53 horses

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine typical clinical features associated with tears of the manica flexoria (MF) and prognosis for return to athletic function after surgical resection. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Medical records (January 2001-December 2011) of horses that underwent tenoscopic surgical treatment of MF tears were reviewed and outcome obtained by telephone questionnaire of owners. RESULTS: Fifty three horses (65 MF tears) were treated; 83% were cobs or ponies. Injuries occurred more frequently in hindlimbs (85%) and effusion of the digital flexor tendon sheath was associated with all MF tears. Follow-up (>3 months after surgery) revealed that 42 horses (79%) returned to pre-injury level of ridden exercise, 7 horses returned to a lower level of exercise, 3 remained lame, and 1 was euthanatized. CONCLUSIONS: Injury to the MF is most likely to occur in hindlimbs with cobs and ponies overrepresented.