Long-term results of desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (distal check ligament) in horses.

After desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (distal check ligament) had been performed in 40 horses with flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (contracture of the deep digital flexor tendon), the horses' records were evaluated retrospectively. Information concerning soundness, return to intended purpose, and cosmetic appearance of the limb and hoof was obtained. The condition had been diagnosed and treated in 26 horses before they were one year old (group A, acute) and in 14 horses greater than one year of age (group B, chronic). Nine months to 4 years after surgery, 35 horses (24 from group A, and 11 from group B) were not lame and were being used as athletes. Thirty-three horses were being used for what the owner had intended before the development of the flexural deformity, and 7 were not. Of these 7 horses, 6 had complications related to the deformity, whereas one had complications resulting from surgery.