Successful treatment of a complete laceration of both flexor tendons and septic tenosynovitis using the fetlock support brace – a case report

Erfolgreiche Behandlung einer Verletzung mit vollständiger Durchtrennung beider Beugesehnen und septischer Fesselbeugesehnenscheide mittels „Fetlock support brace“

Gudehus T, O’Sullivan P , Kamm L, Riggs L M

DOI: 10.21836/PEM20130505
Year: 2013
Volume: 29
Issue: 5
Pages: 609-615

A 2-year-old thoroughbred colt was presented to the veterinary hospital for a left hind plantar metatarsal laceration with completely severed superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and septic tenosynovaginitis caused by a traumatic incident 10 days ago. After aggressive medical treatment and surgical attendance via tenoscopy and attempted tenorrhaphy, the colt was recovered in a half limb cast. Due to ongoing tissue loss he was transitioned into the custom made fetlock support brace in a last treatment attempt. Within this brace, the tissue defect healed within a few months, leading to fully functional repair tissue. Fifteen months after this catastrophic injury, the now 4 year old colt has returned to full training for 6 months. Using this case example, we describe the use of a fetlock support brace. In two further cases, we have gathered experience with this device and have recognized its value, being easily built custom-made, lending prospect even in hopeless cases.