Tendon injuries in horses treated with carbon fibre implants

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Abstract
Implants of carbon fiber, made by plaiting a tow of 10,000 filaments of Grafil type HT-S, were used to treat strains and ruptures of digital flexor tendons in 46 horses. The relevant clinicl data, the techniques employed and an analysis of the results are described. Apart from 2 horses in which the implant was extruded and had to be removed, there were minimal untoward consequences of the surgery. Of the 34 horses with acute or chronic tendinitis, 14 returned to racing, 7 were used as hunters and 7 as hacks. Among the former group, 7 suffered a further strain while racing but the others performed well for some time. Twelve horses with severed tendons recovered well and only in one did infection occur. Overall the results in the latter were better than had previously been achieved using other repair materials.