Ligaments in horses are fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to other bones, providing stability and support to the skeletal structure. These structures are integral to maintaining joint function and facilitating movement. In equine anatomy, ligaments are involved in various functions, including supporting the limbs and allowing for efficient locomotion. Common ligaments in horses include the suspensory ligament, which plays a significant role in supporting the fetlock joint, and the nuchal ligament, which supports the head and neck. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the anatomy, function, injury mechanisms, and rehabilitation of ligaments in horses.
Todhunter PG, Schumacher J, Finn-Bodner ST.Chronic lameness was determined to be caused by desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and adhesions associated with these 2 structures. Desmotomy of the accessory ligament, resection of adhesions, and controlled exercise during convalescence resulted in return to normal use without apparent lameness.
Whitton RC, Kannegieter NJ, Rose RJ.To characterize the clinical features of intercarpal ligament pathology and to determine the relationship among palmar intercarpal ligament tearing, dorsomedial intercarpal ligament (DMICL) hypertrophy, and other intraarticular lesions. Methods: Prospective clinical observations. Methods: Twenty-eight thoroughbred and four standardbred race horses. Methods: Clinical, radiographic, and arthroscopic examination of 53 midcarpal joints of 32 horses. Results: Palmar intercarpal ligament tearing was observed in 30 joints of 22 horses. Some tearing of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament (MPICL) wa...
Whitton RC, Rose RJ.To determine the relative contributions of the palmar intercarpal ligaments in the midcarpal joint to the restraint of dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones. Methods: A biomechanical study of cadaver equine carpi. Methods: Eight equine forelimbs from six thoroughbred horses. Methods: With joints in full extension, the radius was dorsally displaced while midcarpal joint displacement was measured. The restraining force at a joint displacement of 1.5 mm was determined from the load-displacement curve. A ligament or pair of ligaments was then cut and the testing procedure repeate...
Whitton RC, McCarthy PH, Rose RJ.To describe in detail the structure of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament (MPICL), the lateral palmar intercarpal ligament (LPICL), and a dorsomedial intercarpal ligament (DMICL) of the equine midcarpal joint. Methods: Dissections of equine midcarpal joints. ANIMALS AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Ten carpal joints from eight thoroughbred horses. Methods: Detailed dissections of the midcarpal joint were performed, with particular attention paid to the MPICL, the LPICL, and the DMICL. The attachments and dimensions of these structures were recorded, as well as their behavior during joint movement. R...
Breit S, Stiglhuber A, König HE.Striking synovial structures were taken and their surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Depending where the probes were taken from, the stratum synovial was arranged in a different way. The synovial intima seems to miss under the tendon of the long/commune extensor muscle, the collateral ligaments and the sesamoidean collateral ligaments. That is why the subsynovial tissue forms the superficial layer. The surface of the probes taken sidewards to the tendon of the extensor muscle and of the synovial fold, which is situated between the metacarpus/metatarsus and the proximal p...
Crawford WH, Ingle JE.A yearling horse was treated for a chronic wound with a 4 cm deficit in the deep digital tendon. The gap in the tendon was bridged with paired polypropylene braided implants designed for use as a ligament augmentation device. Uncomplicated healing and return to function occurred.
Crevier-Denoix N, Collobert C, Pourcelot P, Denoix JM, Sanaa M, Geiger D, Bernard N, Ribot X, Bortolussi C, Bousseau B.The objective of this study was to mechanically characterise superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) lesions. Eight pathological SDFTs, isolated from 6 adult horses, were tested in traction until rupture (at 1 mm/s). The stresses and strains simultaneously undergone by each of the 7 segments of a tendon were determined throughout the test, and the modulus of elasticity of each segment was evaluated from the segmental stress-strain curve thus obtained. These mechanical data were compared to those obtained on 10 normal SDFTs. After the test, the tendinous segments were submitted to a histologic...
Stiglhuber A, Breit S, König HE.The equine fetlock joint cavity shows ten pouches. The dorsal recess, which is oriented to the proximal side, is separated from those three pouches, which show to the distal direction, by several capsular folds. These folds are documented by means of sagittal sections through the fetlock joint. A medial/lateral recess is covered by the deep part of the collateral ligament of the fetlock joint. The collateral ligaments as well as the sesamoidean collateral ligaments are closely connected with the joint capsule, from which two capsular folds are separated. Between the part of the sesamoidean col...
Denoix JM, Busoni V, Olalla MJ.Normal and abnormal ultrasonographic images are presented of the proximal scutum (proximal sesamoid bones and palmar ligament) in the horse. Comparison between anatomical sections, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasound scans enabled the authors to establish the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the palmar fetlock. Nine cases of proximal scutum injuries were identified ultrasonographically, of which 4 are illustrated. On normal limbs, the facies flexoria of the proximal sesamoid bones appeared as a thin and regular hyperechoic line and the palmar ligament was regularly echogenic. Les...
Chopin JB, Wright JD, Melville L, Robinson WF.This report describes traumatic avulsion of the lateral collateral ligament of the humeroradial joint in a horse. The history and diagnostic procedures are included with relevant radiographs and ultrasonographs. The poor prognosis associated with this injury is due to degenerative joint disease.
Klohnen A, Wilson DG.Nonstrangulating indirect scrotal hernias were corrected in two 4-week-old Percheron foals by a laparoscopic technique. After laparoscopic reduction of herniated nonstrangulated small intestine each testes was retracted through the vaginal ring. The ligament of the tail of the epididymis was transected by electrocautery. The testicular vessels and nerves were isolated by cautery of the mesenteric portion of the mesorchium and then ligated. Staples were used to close the opening of the inguinal canal by apposing the peritoneal edges of the vaginal ring. Resection of umbilical stalk remnants via...
Cauvin ER, Munroe GA, Boyd JS, Paterson C.The aim of this study was to determine the normal ultrasonographic features of the cranial and caudal aspects of the femorotibial articulation and, in particular, to establish a method of examining the menisci, cruciate and meniscal ligaments ultrasonographically. Twenty hindlimbs isolated post mortem from 10 horses were used to study the normal ultrasonographic and gross anatomy of the femorotibial joint. Five stifles from 3 normal, live horses were also examined with B-mode, real-time ultrasound imaging. The results of the anatomical study are presented. The joint surfaces, menisci, cruciate...
Riemersma DJ, van den Bogert AJ, Jansen MO, Schamhardt HC.Strains in the tendons of the m. flexor digitalis superficialis (superficial digital flexor, SDFT) and m. flexor digitalis profundus (deep digital flexor, DDFT) tendons, the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle (inferior check ligament, ICL) and the m. interosseus medius (suspensory ligament, SL) of 5 ponies were recorded at the walk and trot using mercury-in-silastic strain gauges (MISS), on a hard surface (brick pavement) and on sand. The horses were shod with normal, flat shoes. On pavement, strain in the SDFT, DDFT and SL increased significantly from the walk (2.19%, 1.15% ...
Davankar SP, Deane NJ, Davies AS, Firth EC, Hodge H, Parry DA.Since horses bred for the racing industry are subject to rigorous training procedures there is a real need to understand how the stresses experienced by their tendons and ligaments in vivo relate to the major load-bearing elements-the collagen fibrils. Consequently, an age-related study has been made of the collagen fibril diameter distributions of nine ligaments in and around the equine carpus. This is the first stage of a larger study aimed at understanding the ultrastructural changes that occur as a result of exercise. Most of the ligaments showed a bimodal diameter distribution at maturity...
Keg PR, Schamhardt HC, van Weeren PR, Barneveld A.Controversy exists with respect to the innervation of the suspensory ligament (SL) in the fore limb of the horse. It is uncertain whether this structure is exclusively innervated by branches of the ulnar nerve or also to some extent by median nerve branches. Ground Reaction Forces (GRF) were determined in horses before and after the induction of a tendonitis in the lateral branch of the SL by the injection of collagenase, and before and after a high palmar and an ulnar block respectively. The high palmar block succeeded in bringing all GRF variables back to their original values which the ulna...
Denoix JM, Jacot S, Bousseau B, Perrot P.This paper describes normal ultrasound images of the soft tissues of the dorsal and abaxial aspects of the equine fetlock. The palmar aspect of the fetlock is not discussed because it is related to the suspensory apparatus and flexor tendon anatomy which has been previously described. Ultrasound scanning was performed with 7.5 MHz linear or 10 MHz sector probes and recorded on 7.5 cm U-matic videocassettes allowing further retrospective data analysis, computer manipulation and good image reproducibility. Sagittal, parasagittal, frontal and transverse ultrasound scans of 13 lameness free mature...
van den Berg MJ, Rijkenhuizen AB, Németh F, Gruys E.Chronic changes of several structures in around the fetlock tunnel can be a cause of the so-called fetlock tunnel syndrome (FTS) in the horse. Forty-nine annular ligaments (AL) from dead horses without a known history or clinical evidence of lameness and/or digital tendon sheath problems in these legs and 30 AL biopsies from horses suffering from FTS were studied macroscopically and microscopically. Macroscopically, the normal AL had a shiny white appearance, whereas the affected AL were often thicker and less white. Microscopically, the normal AL were about +/- 1 mm thick and were composed of...
Nixon AJ, Pool RR.Osteochondral fragments from the axial proximoplantar/proximopalmar region of the proximal phalanx were removed from 38 joints in 30 horses. Ninety-three percent of the horses were Standardbreds, and 28 of the 30 had a low-grade lameness. All but 1 of the horses had hind limb involvement. A total of 43 fragments were removed. Most (71%) of the fragments involved the medial aspect of the joint and had to be dissected from a covering of synovial tissue. Histologically, the circumference of most fragments consisted of a transition zone at the attachment of the joint capsule, a region of nonarticu...
White NA.Transection of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle (distal check ligament desmotomy) was completed in 44 horses using an ultrasound-guided technique. The technique used real-time ultrasound with a 7.5 MHz transducer to observe the dissection and isolation of the check ligament through a 1 to 1.5 cm incision and to check for complete transection of the check ligament. The technique was effective in correcting flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint and the metacarpophalangeal joint in all but three horses. Check ligament desmotomy at a young age (median, 6 mo...
Edwards RB, Ducharme NG, Fubini SL, Yeager AE, Kallfelz FA.The medical records of 34 horses with a diagnosis of avulsion of the origin of the suspensory ligament that had been admitted to the veterinary medical teaching hospital between 1980 and 1993 were identified. In addition to clinical examination, 21 of 34 horses had scintigraphy and radiography performed during their examination. The usefulness of scintigraphy and radiography were assessed by comparing the initial findings reported in the medical record to those obtained in a retrospective review of the images. Thirty other horses with scintigraphic lesions of the proximal aspect of the third m...
Dik KJ, Dyson SJ, Vail TB.The anatomy of the digital flexor tendon sheath and related tendons and ligaments is described. Diagnosis and management of acute tenosynovitis and long-term tenosynovitis and associated tendon injuries are discussed, as well as the syndrome of stenosis of the fetlock canal (or fetlock annular ligament constriction) and palmar annular ligament constriction. Desmitis of the palmar annular ligament is also described.
Wright IM.This article contains a short introduction to the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of ligaments associated with diarthrodial joints. Individual ligaments are discussed on a regional basis as forelimb, distal limb, and hindlimb. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy of the ligaments because this is the key to sound clinical application of their involvement in joint disease. There are few conditions of diarthrodial joints that do not involve their associated ligaments, and this role may be in causative, diagnostic, and therapeutic or convalescent considerations.
Bertone AL.Infectious tenosynovitis is treated similarly to infectious arthritis. The principles of treatment include an early diagnosis and immediate therapy. Therapy should include use of systemic and local antimicrobials and sheath lavage and drainage. Fibrosis and adhesions can be minimized with passive range of motion exercises, intrathecal hyaluronate, and phenylbutazone therapy. Restrictive fibrosis may be treated successfully by annular ligament resection.
Dyson SJ, Denoix JM.The palmar (plantar) aspect of the pastern is an anatomically complex area and an understanding of this is a prerequisite for accurate diagnosis of injuries in this area. The gross and normal ultrasonographic anatomy are described, and injuries of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and the digital flexor tendon sheath, the distal sesamoidean ligaments, and the palmar ligaments of the proximal interphalangeal joint are discussed.
Dyson SJ, Dik KJ.The use of diagnostic ultrasonography has greatly enhances our ability to diagnose injuries of tendons and tendon sheaths that were previously either unrecognized or poorly understood. For may of these injuries, there is currently only a small amount of follow-up data. This article considers injuries of the deep digital flexor tendon and its accessory ligament, the carpal tunnel syndrome soft tissue swellings on the dorsal aspect of the carpus, intertubercular (bicipital) bursitis and bicipital tendinitis, injuries of the gastrocnemius tendon, common calcaneal tendinitis, rupture of peroneus (...
Dik KJ, Leitch M.Contrast radiography provides a clear survey of the size, shape, and location of extratendovaginal fluid-filled cavities, distended bursa, and tendon sheaths and demonstrates intersynovial communication. Ultrasonography effectively demonstrates Achilles tendon injury, slippage of the SDFT off the summit of the calcaneus, assorted ligamentous injuries, and cystic or solid extratendovaginal masses. It will also demonstrate distended bursae and tendon sheaths, but it is not as effective in demonstrating a synovial herniation, or a narrow synovial fistula. Contrast radiography may prove to be the ...
Attenburrow DP, Goss VA.A case of acute destabilization of the right stifle joint associated with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and avulsion fracture of the tibial spine in a horse is reported. The diagnosis was obtained by scintigraphy and radiography. Post mortem investigations 6 weeks after injury demonstrated fibrillation of surface cartilage in regions unprotected by tibial menisci. No pathological change was demonstrated in the subchondral bone of the tibia in regions associated with loss of cartilage integrity.
Wright IM.This article contains a short introduction to the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of ligaments associated with diarthrodial joints. Individual ligaments are discussed on a regional basis as forelimb, distal limb, and hindlimb. Emphasis is placed on the anatomy of the ligaments because this is the key to sound clinical application of their involvement in joint disease. There are few conditions of diarthrodial joints that do not involve their associated ligaments, and this role may be in causative, diagnostic, and therapeutic or convalescent considerations.
De Bastiani G, La Côrte FD, Azevedo MDS, Jacobsen TK, Kommers GD.Articular degeneration can be characterized by fibrillation and eburnation of the articular layers of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint. Structural changes within the articular joint predispose the development of osteophytes, enthesophytes and, in many cases is associated with changes the collateral ligaments of the MP joint. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between degenerative processes of the articular cartilage and the enthesopathies of collateral ligaments (superficial or deep portion) of the equine MP joint, using radiographic, ultrasonographic and anatom...
Peat FJ, Kawcak CE, McIlwraith CW, Berk JT, Keenan DP, Selberg KT, Ojeda A.Equine suspensory ligament branch (branch) ultrasonography is becoming increasingly commonplace presale. No ultrasonographical branch reference data exists for Thoroughbred sales horses. Objective: To define the prevalence of ultrasonographical findings in the forelimb suspensory branches of yearling and 2-year-old sales Thoroughbreds and to analyse associations with racing performance. To track changes in branch findings between 1 and 2 years of age in horses that present for sale at both ages. Methods: Prospective cohort study using an enrolled sample. Methods: Horses were enrolled from a ...
Lewis D, Scott M, Fischer CD, Bond SL, Léguillette R.Desmitis of the collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint is a cause of lameness in performance horses. The objective of this prospective, experimental, ex vivo feasibility study was to evaluate the success of ultrasound-guided injection of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in the equine forelimb. Seventy-six ultrasound-guided dye injections of the collateral ligament of the distal interphalangeal joint were performed on horses' cadaver limbs. The hooves were sectioned transversely to verify the location of the dye relative to the collateral ligaments a...
Breit S, König HE.20 extremities of horses were used to investigate the synovial membrane of the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa. From each extremity five specimens were taken from the distal interphalangeal joint capsule, two further from the navicular bursa. Synovial villi were found near the articular cartilage as well as everywhere where the joint capsule did not form a tight periostal cover or was not connected with ligaments or tendons. Some lay between the articular surfaces of the phalanx media and phalanx distalis. Besides synovial villi and synovial folds "trabecular-like" cords o...
Keegan KG, Baker GJ, Boero MJ, Pijanowski GJ, Phillips JW.Liquid mercury strain gauges were implanted in the forelimb proximal sesamoidean ligaments (PSL) of 8 adult horses. The gauges measured PSL strain while horses were standing with or without external support. In 6 of the horses, the gauges also measured PSL strain in horses at a walk, with or without external support. Gauges were enclosed within sliding polypropylene tubes to prevent nonaxial deformation. Each gauge was placed in 1 arm of a low-resistance half-bridge circuit. To provide temperature compensation, a dummy gauge was placed in the adjacent arm of the bridge circuit and was implante...
Verschooten F, Picavet TM.Desmitis of the fetlock annular ligament was diagnosed in 30 horses during a period of eight years. Most of the horses had been lame for a prolonged period and had chronically distended digital flexor tendon sheaths. Air tendograms demonstrated thickened palmar or plantar annular ligaments. In 25 horses the ligament was cut longitudinally; of these, 16 horses returned to full work without any difficulty and one became sound after a second operation. Follow up time varied from three months to seven-and-a-half years. None of the five untreated horses returned to work.
McLellan J, Plevin S, Taylor E.3 horses were evaluated because of lameness and swelling of the stifle joint subsequent to trauma. Results: All horses had characteristic clinical signs of stifle joint pain and effusion. A medial patellar fracture and lateral collateral ligament avulsion fracture were visible ultrasonographically in each. Radiography, including standard as well as flexed lateromedial, cranioproximal-craniodistal oblique (skyline patellar), and laterally stressed caudocranial views, revealed similar findings. Results: Arthroscopic surgery to remove the patellar fracture was attempted in 1 horse with severe des...
Staszyk C, Gasse H.In order to display the collagen-fiber arrangement in the equine periodontal ligament an inexpensive and easy staining procedure with fluorescein was applied to paraffin sections. After fluorescein labeling a section was suitable for successful examination with three special microscopical systems: a) fluorescence microscopy b) phase contrast microscopy and c) polarized light microscopy. Collagen fibers were clearly displayed as compact structures in the fluorescence microscope. This distinct feature of the fluorescent image generated an almost three-dimensional impression of the fiber arrangem...
Sayers E, Tabor G.Clinical reasoning has not been studied in veterinary physiotherapy and so the methods used and factors involved are unknown. Similarly, the practices of veterinary physiotherapists within a certain rehabilitation programme have not been documented. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical reasoning and practices of veterinary physiotherapists during rehabilitation of horses following interspinous ligament desmotomy surgery. Unassigned: A qualitative approach was taken and six members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy were interviewed using a semi-stru...
Rhoads WS, Parks AH.A 10-year-old castrated male pony was examined for intermittent signs of abdominal pain of 3 days' duration. An incarceration of the small colon through a rent in the gastrosplenic ligament was found. Resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed on the affected portion of the small colon. The pony recovered and returned to its previous degree of activity. Incarceration of the small intestine and large colon through rents in the gastrosplenic ligament are documented, although involvement of the small intestine is more common. To the best of our knowledge, incarceration of the small colon...
Crawford WH, Ingle JE.A yearling horse was treated for a chronic wound with a 4 cm deficit in the deep digital tendon. The gap in the tendon was bridged with paired polypropylene braided implants designed for use as a ligament augmentation device. Uncomplicated healing and return to function occurred.
Translation: The 2nd edition of this specialized book by Renate Ettl includes basic knowledge about the use of kinesiological tapes, ranging from their foundations to specific applications in horses. The reader is vividly introduced to the material and adhesive properties of the tapes, the various application techniques, and their correct application. The book is mainly aimed at manual therapists and veterinarians, but interested horse owners can also gain insight into the "world of colorful strips" with this work.
Part 1 of the book provides foundational knowledge necessary for the correct...
Trostle SS, Markel MD.Incarceration of the large colon through a rent in the gastrosplenic ligament of a horse was surgically corrected via ventral midline celiotomy. Clinical signs were similar to those in other horses with nonstrangulating large colon disorders. Diagnosis of large colon incarceration in the gastrosplenic ligament was determined by surgical abdominal exploration. The findings of medial deviation of the spleen, location of the large colon lateral to the stomach and caudolateral to the spleen, and caudocraniad passage of the large colon through the gastrosplenic ligament are similar to findings in h...
Chopin JB, Wright JD, Melville L, Robinson WF.This report describes traumatic avulsion of the lateral collateral ligament of the humeroradial joint in a horse. The history and diagnostic procedures are included with relevant radiographs and ultrasonographs. The poor prognosis associated with this injury is due to degenerative joint disease.
Updike SJ.The deep fascia of the equine crus was dissected grossly and separated into 2 layers, the superficial and deep laminae of the deep fascia. Attachments of these fascial laminae to the tibia and fibula formed 5 separate osteofascial compartments: cranial, lateral, caudal deep, caudal intermediate, and caudal superficial. Cranial tibial vessels and the deep peroneal nerve entered the cranial compartment through separate fascial hiatuses; this may predispose the equine crus to the occurrence of compartmental syndromes with clinically recognizable neural deficits.
Abu-Seida AM, Elemmawy YM.Desmopathy of the collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL) is an unusual disorder in draft horses. This study records the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of chronic CSL desmopathy in eight draft horses and confirms these features by histopathology. The recorded chronic CSL desmopathy has usually affected the forelimbs (100%) and commonly bilateral (62.5%). All horses showed positive proximal digital nerve block, positive front digital flexion test, and negative interphalangeal extension test. Radiography revealed no osseous abnormalities in all feet. MRI features of chronic CSL desmopat...
Hooper RN, Taylor TS, Behrens EA, Varner DD.Ovariohysterectomy was performed in 20 mares at three stages of estrus. An ecraseur was used to severe the ovarian branch of the ovarian artery and vein and the ovarian suspensory ligament en masse. All other vessels supplying the ovaries and uterus were doubly ligated and transected. All mares survived. Complications were intraoperative hemorrhage in three mares, postoperative vaginal bleeding in two mares, and a hematoma in the remnant of the broad ligament in one mare. No adhesions between the uterine stump or remnants of the broad ligament and abdominal structures were detected by palpatio...
White NA, Barrett JG.To determine the outcome of treating distal interphalangeal joint collateral ligament (DIJCL) desmopathy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided ligament injection. Methods: Medical records of 13 adult horses diagnosed with DIJCL desmopathy using low-field MRI and treated by MRI-guided ligament injection of mesenchymal stem cells and/or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were reviewed. Information collected included signalment, MRI diagnosis, treatment type, time to resolution of lameness, and level of exercise after treatment. Results: Collateral ligament inflammation was diagnosed as a cause o...
Wood AK, Newell WH, Borg RP.In a dorsal plane, an improved ultrasonographic off-set system was used to obtain serial ultrasonographic images with enhanced anatomic and pathologic detail of the tendons, ligaments, and associated structures of the limbs of 100 horses. The off-set provided good acoustic coupling between a linear array ultrasonographic transducer and the horse's skin. A water-soluble gel contained within the off-set had acoustic properties similar to those of mammalian soft tissues.
Jones RD, Fessler JF.ALTHOUGH METACARPAL TI-IV and metatarsal II-IV (MC II-IV, MT II-IV) fractures are frequent in horses and surgical intervention routine, a review of the current literature revealed little information about this subject. The authors have found only two complete accounts of this problem (1, 6). The incidence of suspensory desmitis has been previously reported (3), but we find no previous correla-tion of MC II-IV, MT II-IV fractures with suspensory, desmitis. On these bases, a re-trospective study was conducted. At Purdue University from 1967 through 1974, 50 Standardbred horses underwent sur-gery...
Palmieri G, Sanna L, Asole A, Farina V, Bo Minelli L.The origin and course of the collateral sesamoidean (suspensory navicular) ligament of the horse and ass and its attachment to the distal sesamoid bone were studied by means of dissection. Particular attention was given to the topographic relations between this ligament and the deep digital flexor tendon. Numerous sensitive nerve endings are present in this anatomical district. The free and encapsulated nerve endings, displayed by impregnating techniques, are mostly concentrated in the ligament tract connected to the above-named tendon and close to its attachment to the distal sesamoid angle. ...
Marks D.The most common causes of back pain and their medical treatment are discussed. These include: dermatologic problems and conditions resulting from saddle trauma; discomfort and stiffness owing to injured paraspinal muscles; pain associated with supraspinous ligament damage; osseous pain and nerve dysfunction related to the spine and sacroiliac area; and neurologic diseases that can manifest as back pain. Bitting problems, cervical pain, and coexisting lameness are also considered.
Sampson SN, Schneider RK, Gavin PR, Baszler TV, Mealey RH, Zubrod CJ, Marsh CA.To evaluate: (1) an arthroscopic technique for transection of the collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL); and (2) the healing response using magnetic resonance (MR) and microscopic examination. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Adult horses (n=6). Methods: Six sound horses with normal front foot radiographic and MR examinations were used. Lameness examination was performed before surgery and monthly for 12 months. Front foot radiography was performed at 180 and 360 days after surgery. Front foot MR was performed before, and at 7, 90, 180, and 360 days after surgery. Arthroscopic CSL desmoto...