Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
2
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
3
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University
4
Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University
5
Faculty of veterinary medicine, Cairo university, Egypt
Abstract
Superfiicial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is the most frequently injured tendon in equine. This study evaluated the healing efficacy of a fresh buffalo (Bubalis bubalis) amniotic membrane (AM) xenograft in repairing experimentally induced full-thickness tenotomy of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in donkeys (Equus africanus asinus), serving as a model of equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) rupture. Twelve healthy male donkeys were randomly divided into two groups: the AM-treated group, where the transected SDFT was sutured with Vicryl size 2 and wrapped with AM as a scaffold. The second group was the positive control, where the tendon was sutured without AM. The contralateral limbs served as negative controls. Tendon healing was assessed using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The AM-treated group demonstrated faster resolution of lameness, pain, and swelling compared to the positive control group. Ultrasonography revealed near-normal echogenicity and fiber alignment in the AM-treated tendons, whereas the control group exhibited heterogeneous echogenicity with adhesions. MRI findings showed low signal intensity, normal fiber alignment, and restored crescent-shaped morphology in the AM group, indicating structured remodelling. In contrast, the control group displayed high signal intensity, tendon thickening, and disorganized fibers. These results suggest that fresh buffalo AM xenografts significantly enhance tendon healing by accelerating functional recovery, reducing inflammation, and promoting organized tissue regeneration. The study supports the use of AM as a promising adjunct in tendon reconstruction, improving both structural and functional outcomes in tendon repair. This approach may offer a viable therapeutic strategy for managing SDFT injuries in equines.
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