Healing of surgically created defects in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon: effects of pulsing electromagnetic field therapy on collagen-type transformation and tissue morphologic reorganization
Watkins, J.P.; Auer, J.A.; Morgan, S.J.; Gay, S.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 46(10): 2097-2103
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4062013 Document Number: 261704
The effect of pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on the healing of surgically created defects in equine superficial digital flexor tendons was evaluated. Defects were created in both front superficial digital flexor tendons of 20 horses. The defect in 1 limb was exposed to a PEMF for 2 hours daily. The other limb served as a control. Histologic and immunofluorescent evaluations were done in horses killed at postsurgical weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24. Therapy with the PEMF significantly (P < 0.05) delayed the maturation of the tissue formed within the defect at postsurgical weeks 8 and 12, as determined by histologic examination. The collagen-type transformation was also delayed by the PEMF therapy, but to a degree that was not significant.