Microdamage in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon

This paper highlights the importance of preventing flexor tendonitis, once clinical damage is done you cannot get 100% healing. It is believed many cases of tendonitis occur after a period of small and subclinical damages to the fibers that build over time until there is overt failure of the tendon. Early detection should include thorough inspection following work outs, regular ultrasound for structural changes, and possibly standing MRI to detect changes that may indicate changes to the tendons.
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Microdamage in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon
Equine Vet J. 2020 Aug 8.
Authors: Claire O’Brien 1 , Neil Marr 2 , Chavaunne Thorpe 2
Affiliations

1 University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 4NR, UK.
2 Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU, UK.

Abstract
The forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is an energy-storing tendon that is highly susceptible to injury during activities such as galloping and jumping, such that it is one of the most commonly reported causes of lameness in the performance horse. This review outlines the biomechanical and biothermal effects of strain on the SDFT and how these contribute to accumulation of microdamage. The effect of age-related alterations on strain response and subsequent injury risk are also considered. Given that tendon is a slowly healing and poorly regenerative tissue, prompt detection of early stages of pathology in vivo and timely adaptations to training protocols are likely to have a greater outcome than advances in treatment. Early screening tools and detection protocols could subsequently be of benefit in identifying subclinical signs of degeneration during the training programme. This provides an opportunity for preventative strategies to be implemented to minimize incidences of SDFT injury and reduce recovery periods in elite performance horses. Therefore, this review will focus on the modalities available to implement early screening and prevention protocols as opposed to methods to diagnose and treat injuries.