A Comparative Study Evaluating Three Bioscaffold Augmentation Devices Used for Superficial Digital Flexor Tenorrhaphy in Donkeys (Equus Asinus) by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasonography

Little is known about using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating the healing properties of superficial digital flexor tenorrhaphy in equines. The present study was designed to carry out in vivo comparative evaluation of normal and repaired superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in donkeys, based on MRI, ultrasonography, clinical and histopathological features. Eighteen clinically healthy donkeys were assigned for three treatment trials (n = 6) using three bioscaffold materials (bovine pericardium xenograft, tendon allograft, and allograft shielding by bovine pericardium), in addition to six healthy donkeys to serve as control group. Clinical signs for each animal were scored, and the sum of all clinical indexes was calculated. MRI and ultrasonographic examinations of each donkey were carried out at 45 and 90 days postoperatively in the three treated groups, and were compared with those in the control group. Both clinical and imaging characteristics were compared and statistically analyzed at each time point. The echogenicity (P < .0039), cross-sectional area (P < .0490), and fiber alignment (P < .0077) were different at 45 and 90 days postoperatively in the shielding group than in the other two groups, with no difference in the histological features in comparison with the control group, based on the median and range analysis at 90 days postoperatively. In conclusion, MRI and ultrasonography initiate a new paradigm in monitoring the healing progression and case prognosis of SDFT tenorrhaphy with the bioscaffold augmentation devices, either xenogenic or allogenic, which provided a good alternative technique and an accelerated SDFT healing with minimal adhesions in donkeys.