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.
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...
Weaver JC, Stover SM, O'Brien TR.The sites of bony attachment of the tendons, ligaments, and fibrous portion of the joint capsules of the equine metacarpophalangeal (fetlock) joint region were determined by gross dissection. These sites were transposed to standard radiographic views of the fetlock joint to yield illustrations that can be used as an aid in the diagnosis of soft tissue pathology from radiographs. Evidence of direct attachment of the common digital extensor tendon to the proximal phalanx was not found. Branches of the superficial digital flexor tendon were found to insert only on the middle phalanx. The recently...
Mohammed HO, Hill T, Lowe J.A retrospective study was carried out to identify factors which predisposed Thoroughbred horses to severe injuries, as compared to less severe injuries, while racing on New York Racing Association (NYRA) tracks during the period of January 1986 to June 1988. A severe injury was defined as an injury which led to humane destruction of the horse. A less severe injury was defined as a horse which didn't race within 6 months following a muscular, ligament, tendon, or skeletal injury on the racetrack. The data were obtained from the Horse Identification Department records kept by the Chief Examining...
Hermanson JW, Cobb MA.Two of the forearm flexors of the horse, the superficial and deep digital flexor muscles, are critical to support the digital and fetlock joints, exhibit differing insertions, and are passively supported by the proximal and distal check ligaments, respectively. These two muscles differ in histochemical composition and architecture. The differences are correlated with the different stress levels transmitted through their tendons, and the different frequencies of clinical breakdown that have been reported. Both muscles contain type I and type IIa fibers. A few type IIb fibers occurred in the dee...
Stick JA, Nickels FA, Williams MA.Desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle (inferior check desmotomy) permitted Standardbred foals affected with flexural deformities to reach their full athletic potential. Long-term effects of inferior check desmotomy were examined in 23 Standardbreds over a 10-year period. Six of 11 foals that were treated surgically either raced 6 times and obtained a race record or were training sound (if yearlings). All 12 horses with flexural deformity that did not receive an inferior check desmotomy had an unfavorable outcome (no race record). Foals that had surgery performed...
Major MD, Grant BD, White KK, Ratzlaff MH, Gallina AM, Crawley GR.Mechanical properties of equine suspensory apparatus preparations and three braided synthetic prostheses were evaluated in vitro. Force versus displacement plots and failure modes were recorded from single load-to-failure testing in 18 cadaver limbs before and after replacement of each suspensory apparatus with a prosthesis. Mean load at failure, energy to failure, and stiffness values of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prostheses were lower than those of the suspensory apparatus and aramid prosthesis. The PTFE prosthesis failed by elongation or rupture of the prosthesis. Mechanical properties ...
Kraus-Hansen AE, Fackelman GE, Becker C, Williams RM, Pipers FS.The vascular and microvascular anatomy of normal equine superficial digital flexor tendons was studied by dissection of vinyl-perfused specimens and by microangiography on high detail film. The presence of an extensive intratendinous vascular latticework was confirmed, and a 'nutrient artery' described closely associated with the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (proximal check ligament). Circumferential stripping of the paratenon from the tendon to eliminate afferent vessels was performed bilaterally in three horses and unilaterally in a fourth, followed by a treadm...
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.
Dyson SJ.Desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) was diagnosed in 27 horses between September 1986 and December 1990. The first observed clinical sign in four horses was localised swelling in the proximal metacarpus. Twenty horses became lame suddenly during a work period and most developed swelling within 24 h of exercise. The injury was confirmed by ultrasonographic examination. Ten of 13 horses with uncomplicated desmitis of the ALDDFT resumed full work, within three to nine months of the onset of clinical signs, without recurrence of clinical signs in the perio...
Shoemaker RS, Bertone AL, Mohammad LN, Arms SW.Effects of longitudinal compression before and after transection of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) muscle were measured in eight equine cadaver forelimbs. When compression was increased from 890 N to 3115 N, the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and carpal joints hyperextended 20 degrees and 4 degrees, respectively, and strain in the SDF and deep digital flexor tendons was increased 3.5% and 1.4%, respectively. The accessory ligament did not elongate. Immediately after transection of the accessory ligament at 3115 N load, a 2.8 mm gap formed between the transected ends ...
Dik KJ, van den Belt AJ, Keg PR.The diagnosis of restriction of free movement of the flexor tendons through the fetlock canal usually rests on the characteristic clinical appearance of this condition, or airtendography. In a series of seven normal Warmblood horses and 16 diseased horses of various breeds, the efficacy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of this condition was determined. In normal limbs, the annular ligament is a very thin structure usually not visible on sonograms. In diseased limbs, ultrasonography outlined flexor tendon injury, distension and thickening of the digital sheath, peritendovaginal tissue prolif...
Misheff MM, Stover SM.Because arthrocentesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint through the proximal palmar pouch may induce synovial haemorrhage, this study evaluated arthrocentesis through the lateral collateral sesamoidean ligament. The proximal palmar pouch and collateral sesamoidean ligament approaches were used in contralateral forelimbs to obtain paired initial synovial fluid samples from 16 horses 12 to 15 h before being killed. Synovial fluid samples also were collected from the same joints at necropsy and the subcutis, synovium and articular cartilage were evaluated. Metacarpophalangeal joint arthrocentesis...
Wilson DA, Baker GJ, Pijanowski GJ, Boero MJ, Badertscher RR.Suspensory ligaments (SL) from 32 Thoroughbreds and 32 Standardbreds were collected to evaluate the variation in muscle content with respect to age, breed, sex, limb, and use. Six transverse sections, each 3 to 5 mm thick, were obtained from each SL. Four sections were taken from the body of the SL and 1 from the midportion of each branch. Sections were stained with van Gieson picric acid-fuchsin solution, then photographed, and black-and-white slides were made from the processed negatives. The transverse-sectional area of the SL and the contained muscle were determined by use of a computer wi...
Dyson S.Clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic features of proximal suspensory desmitis in the forelimb and the hindlimb are described. Acute cases may present with slight, localised, oedematous swelling, heat, distension of the medial palmar (plantar) vein and/or pain, whereas chronic cases or those rested immediately after onset of lameness usually have no detectable clinical signs suggestive of the source of pain. In these cases local analgesia is required to identify pain in the proximal metacarpal (metatarsal) region. Transverse ultrasonographic images of the suspensory ligament usually yiel...
Dik KJ.Common soft tissue disorders of the equine carpus are fluctuating or firm soft tissue swellings, wounds and draining tracts. Survey radiography may show the size, position and origin of the swellings and reveals soft tissue calcification, accumulation of air and radiopaque foreign material. Contrast radiography enables accurate visualization of the size, shape, position and origin of fluctuating soft tissue swellings, demonstrates abnormal intersynovial communication and allows precise demonstration of the extent of puncture wounds and draining tracts. Ultrasonography allows differentiation be...
Nixon AJ.An arthroscopic procedure for examination of the digital flexor tendons and tendon sheath was developed in 16 equine limbs and 12 horses. Distension of the tendon sheath and insertion of the arthroscope was accomplished through a cul-de-sac on the palmar or plantar surface of the tendon sheath 1 to 2 cm palmar or plantar to the digital neurovascular structures and between the annular ligament and proximal digital annular ligament. A single arthroscope entry point allowed examination of all regions of the tendon sheath cavity and most surfaces of the digital flexor tendons within the sheath. Di...
Pool RR, Meagher DM.Many lesions of the musculoskeletal system of racing horses are either acute traumatic lesions or are chronic biomechanically induced lesions that become suddenly unstable and provoke acute clinical signs. The latter lesions along with those of DJD are much more common and are of much greater overall economic importance to the racing industry than are the acute traumatic injuries. Chronic biomechanical lesions occur at predictable sites and are the result of an imbalance between repetitive microtrauma sustained in athletic performance and adaptive repair mechanisms of skeletal tissues. The dis...
Honnas CM, Snyder JR, Meagher DM, Ragle CA.Traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus is a catastrophic injury in the horse. Although this injury has been described in the adult, little information is available in the foal. This paper describes 3 foals with metacarpophalangeal joint instability caused by traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus. Two foals had biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures in a single forelimb, and 1 foal had avulsion of the distal sesamoidean ligaments in 1 forelimb plus biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures in the other forelimb. The foals with single forelimb involvement were managed with splints, a...
Garrett PD.Thoracic limbs from 8 horses were dissected. The dorsoscapular ligament was determined to consist of a collagenous part that fused to the surface of the thoracolumbar fascia and of an elastic part that extended laterally from the collagenous part to attach to the medial surface of the scapula and interdigitate with fibers of the serratus ventralis thoracis muscle.
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. ...
Jann HW, Stein LE, Good JK.Size 3-0 polydioxanone was used as a single strand, single braid (3 strands), or double braid (6 strands) to create six suture material-pattern combinations for equine tenorrhaphy: single-strand locking loop, single-braid locking loop, double-braid locking loop, single-strand three-loop pulley, single-braid three-loop pulley, and double-braid three-loop pulley. Maximum load to failure for the single-strand locking loop (46.1 +/- 2.9 newtons [N]) was less than for all other sutures (range, 103-155 N). The load required to form a 2 mm gap between tendon ends was greater for the single-braid thre...
Shiroma JT, Engel HN, Wagner PC, Watrous BJ.In horses, dorsal subluxation of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the pelvic limb, which realigned when weight was applied to the limb, improved following surgery. Improvement was observed, if not immediately, at least within two weeks after treatment. The severity and duration of the condition appear to be important considerations in predicting the time necessary for resolution of the condition following surgery. Treatment consisted of surgical resection of a small segment of the medial head of the deep digital flexor tendon in the pelvic limb. The section removed was positioned distal t...
Armstrong RA, Lawrence RA, Jones RL, Wilson NH, Collier A.1. This study describes attempts to compare prostacyclin (IP-) receptors in human, pig, horse, rabbit and rat platelets and in circular muscle of human, rabbit and dog mesenteric and pig gastroepiploic arteries. Three stable prostacyclin analogues, iloprost, cicaprost and 6a-carba-prostacyclin (6a-carba-PGI2) and a prostaglandin endoperoxide analogue EP 157 (previously shown to mimic prostacyclin on human platelets) were used. 2. Our main conclusion is that prostacyclin receptors on human, pig and horse platelets are similar in nature, but distinct from those on rabbit and rat platelets. Funct...
Hoffer MA, Leach DH, Doige CE.The navicular bone, navicular bursa and their associated structures were collected from 20 horses ranging in age from 80 days gestation to 2 years post-gestation. The right front foot of every horse was sampled for light microscopy. The development of the navicular bursa and associated structures were studied. Study of the developmental anatomy of the equine navicular bursa established that the bursa is a distinct entity in both the fetus and the adult horse. Development of the bursal cavity in the fetus was found to be complete by 120 days of gestation. Synovial membrane of the navicular burs...
van Schie HT.The ultrasonic examination of tendons and ligaments of the distal limb of the horse improves the diagnostic possibilities of these frequently injured structures. The successful application is based upon a reliable knowledge of the normal sonographic anatomy and upon a standardized, flawless technic of the examination. Practice and experience allow the recognition of minor alterations which enables a more precise diagnosis, a more reliable prognosis, and in follow-up examinations also more specific information about the further use of the horse.
Ford TS, Ross MW, Orsini PG.To study communications and boundaries of the middle carpal and carpometacarpal joints of the horse, 50 forelimbs were obtained from fresh cadaver specimens. Blue latex solution (20 +/- 2.5 ml) was injected into the middle carpal joint, and the specimens were frozen in extension. Frozen specimens were cut into 1-cm sagittal sections from the middle of the radius to the middle of the metacarpus. The communications between the middle carpal and carpometacarpal joints and the presence, length, and position of the distopalmar outpouchings of the carpometacarpal joint were recorded. The middle carp...
Bukowiecki CF, Sanders-Shamis M, Bramlage LR.Medial collateral ligament ruptures in horses are rare and difficult to treat. Conservative treatment usually results in degenerative joint disease that causes permanent lameness. Surgical treatment may be an alternative for salvaging horses for breeding purpose.
Sanders-Shamis M, Bukowiecki CF, Biller DS.Medical records of 7 adult horses with single or multiple ligament failure of the femorotibial ligaments were reviewed to evaluate signalment, history, diagnostic and treatment methods, outcome, and long-term follow-up information. Acute onset of lameness was recorded for most of the horses. Horses with multiple ligament injury had more severe clinical signs than did horses with single ligament injury. Horses with single ligament injury generally required manipulative tests to localize the lameness to the stifle. In all horses, radiography of the stifle assisted in the diagnosis. Horses either...
Boero MJ, Kneller SK, Baker GJ, Metcalf MR, Twardock AR.Injury of the lateral collateral ligaments of the tarsocrural joints was diagnosed in nine Standardbred pacers. The average age was 4.9 years. The severity of the lameness varied from severe to subtle and joint effusion was seen in eight of 10 tarsocrural joints. A positive hindlimb flexion test was seen in four of six cases in which results were recorded. The identification of the site of involvement was based on a focal intense 'hot spot' seen on scintigraphy, and new bone formation seen radiographically at the anatomical sites of insertion of the long lateral collateral ligament of the tars...
Hauser ML.The diagnostician should be familiar with the normal ultrasound appearance (size, shape, position, and textural quality) of each structure examined. With these factors as reference points, one can describe lesions in the structure involved, the precise location and extent of the lesions, and the degree of structural compromise that is manifested. Documentation of lesions of tendons and ligaments enables one to make an accurate diagnosis and a more precise prognosis. Serial examination during the healing phases allows for a more accurate prediction as to when the structure in question can withs...
Kofler J, Kneissl S, Malleczek D.Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) findings of acute desmopathy of the lateral collateral sesmoidean (navicular) ligament (CSL) in a 13-year-old Hanoverian mare are presented. On admission to the clinic the horse showed a grade 5/6 left front-limb lameness at the walk, pain on coffin joint manipulation, and coffin joint effusion. Despite a positive palmar digital nerve block, radiographs and ultrasonography did not indicate reasons for the severe clinical signs. However, MRI revealed damage to the CSL and bone marrow oedema of the navicular bone (NB), where...
Whitton RC, Kannegieter NJ, Rose RJ.To examine the relationship between medial palmar intercarpal ligament (MPICL) tearing and postoperative performance in racing horses. Methods: The postoperative performance of 42 horses in which the midcarpal joint was examined arthroscopically was followed prospectively. Intra-articular variables examined were the severity of MPICL tearing, subchondral bone damage and articular cartilage damage. Using a scoring system based on the class of race and the position in the race, a mean score was calculated for up to five races before and after surgery. The preoperative score was subtracted from t...
Beinlich CP, Nixon AJ.To clarify the diagnosis of avulsion of the lateral palmar intercarpal ligament (LPICL), correlate avulsion of this ligament with lameness, determine the prevalence of avulsion of the LPICL in a hospital population, and evaluate the response to surgical removal of the avulsion fragment in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 37 horses with avulsion of the LPICL. Methods: Medical records and radiographs of horses with avulsion of the LPICL were reviewed; follow-up information was obtained from race records and from owners via a telephone survey. Results: Of 6,418 horses evaluated for ...
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...
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...
Lacitignola L, De Luca P, Imperante A, Tommasa SD, Crovace A.The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a single-portal endoscopic desmotomy of the PAL with the use of Arthrex - Centerline™. Ten horse distal front limbs from horses free of PAL disease were prepared for tenoscopy of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). A dual-port endoscopic desmotomy with a hook knife was performed in 5 specimens (Group A) and single port Arthrex-Centerline™ Desmotomy was performed in another 5 specimens (Group B). The performing time, judgments of the surgeon, number of blade passages, and gross anatomy were evaluated. The performing time and surgeon judg...
DiGiovanni DL, Rademacher N, Riggs LM, Baumruck RA, Gaschen L.Palmar/plantar annular desmitis is a common disease that may be associated with adhesions and structures affecting the flexor tendons, which requires tenoscopy to diagnose. The purpose of this descriptive study was to develop a dynamic sonographic technique for evaluating the motion of normal equine flexor tendons in relation to the palmar/plantar annular ligament and to compare findings with horses previously diagnosed with palmar/plantar annular desmitis. Ten healthy adult horses were examined prospectively and the images of four horses diagnosed with palmar/plantar annular desmitis were ret...
Dik KJ.Common soft tissue disorders of the equine carpus are fluctuating or firm soft tissue swellings, wounds and draining tracts. Survey radiography may show the size, position and origin of the swellings and reveals soft tissue calcification, accumulation of air and radiopaque foreign material. Contrast radiography enables accurate visualization of the size, shape, position and origin of fluctuating soft tissue swellings, demonstrates abnormal intersynovial communication and allows precise demonstration of the extent of puncture wounds and draining tracts. Ultrasonography allows differentiation be...
Phillips TJ, Wright IM.Ten carpi from juvenile Thoroughbred horses were dissected in detail to record the anatomy of the palmar intercarpal ligaments (PICLs). These were found not to be substantially attached to the palmar carpal ligament. The lateral PICL was sited at the convergence of the palmar aspects of the third, fourth, intermediate and ulnar carpal bones and aligned predominantly in a proximodistal direction. The medial PICL had a large origin distally on the lateral aspect of the radial carpal bone (Cr) and attached to third (C3) and second (C2) carpal bones with apparently separate fibre orientations. Fib...
Becker CK, Savelberg HH, Buchner HH, Barneveld A.To evaluate clinical and biomechanical consequences of desmotomy of the accessory ligament (AL) of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) of equine forelimbs and determine whether this procedure is a viable treatment for chronic desmitis of the AL-DDFT. Methods: 6 adult Standardbred trotters. Methods: Biomechanical recordings obtained before and 6 months after desmotomy were compared. Walk and trot joint angles, ground reaction forces, peak joint moments, and tendon forces were assessed. Results: Within 10 days after surgery, all horses were sound at a trot. Swelling, increased carpal flexion i...
Hawkins JF, Ross MW.Medical records of 40 racing Standardbreds with superficial digital flexor tendinitis that underwent transection of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor (SDF) muscle (superior check desmotomy) were reviewed. Surgery was performed bilaterally in 32 horses and unilaterally in 8. Concurrent palmar annular desmotomy was performed in 8 horses in which tendinitis involved the distal metacarpal region and confinement of the deep and SDF tendons by the annular ligament was suspected. Follow-up information was obtained for 32 horses, by telephone, and racing results were available f...
Sod GA, Martin GS.To compare the biomechanical properties of a prototype intramedullary pin-plate (IMPP) implant specifically designed for equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) arthrodesis with a dynamic compression plate (DCP) system. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine forelimbs with a simulated traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus, stabilized by one of two methods for MCP arthrodesis. Methods: Twenty-one pairs of adult equine cadaveric forelimbs. Methods: Each forelimb had the distal sesamoidean ligaments severed to create a disrupted suspensory apparatus. For each forel...
Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Werpy NM, White NA, McCutcheon J, Weng HY, Christopher JM.High- and low-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems are available for clinical diagnosis of collateral desmopathy of the equine distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ). Knowledge of the normal appearance, size, shape,and signal variation of these ligaments on high- and low-field MR images is essential when assessing desmopathy detected by MR imaging. However, there are no descriptions of the normal features of DIJ collateral ligaments on images obtained with a standing low-field MR system. Low-field MR imaging characteristics of normal collateral ligaments of the DIJ of cadaver feet were co...
Ortved KF, Stewart AW, Fubini SL, Hackett RP.To report surgical management of 4 horses with cryptorchidism caused by failure of regression of the cranial suspensory ligament (CSL). Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Cryptorchid horses (n = 4). Methods: Horses with unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism caused by failure of regression of the CSL were treated by removing the retained testes through a standing laparoscopic approach (2), flank laparotomy (1), or paramedian celiotomy (1). After identification of the retained testis attached to the caudal pole of the kidney by the CSL, the vascular pedicle and ductus deferens were li...
van den Belt AJ, Becker CK, Dik KJ.The clinical and ultrasonographic features of desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (carpal check ligament) are reported in a series of 24 horses. Lameness associated with the carpal check ligament especially was found in Warmblood riding horses ranging in age from 6 to 18 years with a mean age of 11.3 years. The most striking clinical feature was a firm, painful swelling medially and laterally in the proximal and/or mid metacarpal region, corresponding with the dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique direction of the carpal check ligament. Sonographically swelling o...
Garvican ER, Wylie CE, Payne RJ, Smith RK, Head MJ.To document the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of mineralization of the equine palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL). Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Ponies (n=7). Methods: Case records from 2 referral hospitals were examined to identify cases with lameness associated with PAL mineralization treated surgically. Follow-up information was obtained from the owners by telephone questionnaire. Results: Duration of lameness before referral ranged from 5 weeks to 6 months, and degree of lameness from grade 1 to 5 out of 10. In 3 cases, records noted obvious pain when ...
Hawkins A, Chapman L, Meter M, Smith RK.To report the diagnostic features and clinical outcome of horses with digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) synoviocoeles treated tenoscopically under ultrasonographic guidance. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Client-owned horses (n = 10). Methods: Medical records were searched for horses with lameness localized to the region of the DFTS and clinical evidence of a fluid-filled mass (synoviocoele) associated with the DFTS. Diagnostic imaging and surgical findings, together with long-term outcome, were reported. Results: Lameness and synoviocoeles were unilateral (5 forelimbs, 5 hin...
Braun S, Lafrenz R.In recent years extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used in veterinary medicine especially in equine orthopedics. Different ESWT generators are commonly used in equine medicine with varying energy density and depth of penetration. The presented case report described the treatment of a ligamentum nuchae calcification with focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy with SONOCUR Plus generator combined with SONOLINE Prima ultrasound. Negligible adverse effects, the non-invasive character of the treatment, the time-saving therapy, and the positive results make the focused extracorporeal sho...
Dabareiner RM, Chaffin MK, Quirham H, Carter GK.4 horses with enthesopathy and desmitis of the medial collateral ligament of the cubital joint were examined. Results: All 4 horses had a history of acute, severe, unilateral forelimb lameness and had signs of pain during manipulation of the affected upper forelimb; 2 also had swelling in the axillary region. There was no improvement in lameness after diagnostic local analgesia below the carpal region, and 1 of 4 horses had mild improvement after cubital joint analgesia. Radiography revealed enthesophyte formation on the radial tuberosity and linear mineralization of the medial collateral liga...
Meghoufel A, Cloutier G, Crevier-Denoix N, de Guise JA.The fiber bundle density (FBD) calculated from ultrasound B-scan images of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) can serve as an objective measurement to characterize the three metacarpal sites of normal SDFTs, and also to discriminate a healthy SDFT from an injured one. In this paper, we propose a shock filter algorithm for the thinning of hyper-echoic structures observed in B-scan images of the SDFT. This algorithm is further enhanced by applying closing morphological operations on filtered images to facilitate extraction and quantification of fiber bundle fascicles. The mean F...
Rollot Y, Lecuyer E, Chateau H, Crevier-Denoix N.As critical locomotion events (e.g. high-speed and impacts during racing, jump landing) may contribute to tendinopathies, in vivo recording of gaits kinematic and dynamic parameters is essential for 3D reconstruction and analysis. Objective: To propose a 3D model of the forelimb and a ground reaction force recording shoe (GRF-S) for noninvasively quantifying tendon and ligament loads and strains. Methods: Bony segments trajectories of forelimbs placed under a power press were recorded using triads of ultrasonic kinematic markers linked to the bones. Compression cycles (from 500-6000 N) were ap...
Andersen C, Tnibar A.Medial patellar ligament splitting (MPLS) has been shown to be a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for upward fixation of the patella (UFP) in horses. However, long-term follow-up results of this procedure have not previously been reported. Objective: To evaluate the long-term resolution of UFP following MPLS and provide information on complications and recurrence. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Data were collected from horses that underwent MPLS between 1999 and 2013. All cases had a confirmed diagnosis of UFP that had not responded to conservative therapy. Data ...
Franks PW.A technique was developed using radioactive isotopes as a source of radiation for the treatment of injuries to the superficial and deep flexor tendons and the associated ligaments in the horse. The treatment area was sub-divided so that different dosages could be applied over the limb as necessary. A plaster of Paris impression was taken of the whole area to be treated. In the isotope laboratory a plaster negative was made and loaded with the dose of radioactive isotope. The loaded cast was then strapped to the horse's limb for the calculated time, usually about three days. A total of 42 horse...
Góss GC, Mozzaquatro FD, Vanhove R, Camargo LP, Döwich Pradella G, Leite CT, Gomes EM, Carneiro ALM, Heckler GF, Duarte CA.The physiological measurements of collateral ligaments of distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIPJ) differ in the literature. The factors that influence these differences are not well described. The aims of this study are to compare CL-DIPJ sizes in equines with different withers height, as well as to correlate body weight and hoof size to the size of these ligaments. In total, 52 horses were used in the study. They were divided into two groups according to wither height: Group 1 (G1) - 21 animals with up to 147 cm - and group 2 (G2) - 21 animals with greater than 148 cm. CL-DIPJ was ultrasonog...
Kelly PG, Pollock PJ.To describe (1) diagnosis of dynamic collapse of the cricotracheal ligament in a group of horses and (2) treatment and outcome of affected horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Thoroughbred horses (n = 8). Methods: Of 600 over ground dynamic endoscopic examinations performed, 8 Thoroughbred horses had cricotracheal ligament collapse (CTLC); 5 were 2 years old and in early training and 2 were mature horses in full work. CTLC was diagnosed if circumferential collapse of the cricotracheal ligament was identified during exercise. Seven horses had repeat endoscopic examination. T...
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...
Walmsley EA, Anderson GA, Adkins AR.Determine the long-term outcome for Thoroughbreds undergoing desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (DAL-DDFT) for type 1 flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ). Methods: Retrospective matched cohort study Methods: Medical records were retrieved over a 17-year period for Thoroughbreds that underwent DAL-DDFT for type 1 flexural deformity. Long-term outcome was determined by analysis of race records and comparison with maternal siblings. Comparisons between cases and controls included 2-year-old, 3-year-old and total career performance data....
Zamos DT, Honnas CM, Hoffman AG.Arthroscopic examination of structures within the plantar pouch of the tarsocrural joint was accomplished via portals in both the plantaromedial and plantarolateral aspects of the joint. Flexion and extension of the tarsus while examining the joint through either portal allowed observation of the proximal and plantar aspects of the lateral and medial trochlear ridges, the trochlear groove, the caudal aspect of the distal tibia, and the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in its sheath. From a plantarolateral portal, the plantar talocalcaneal ligament and the plantar aspect of the lateral malleol...
Woodie JB, Ruggles AJ, Litsky AS.To evaluate 2 methods of midbody proximal sesamoid bone repair--fixation by a screw placed in lag fashion and circumferential wire fixation--by comparing yield load and the adjacent soft-tissue strain during monotonic loading. Methods: Experimental study. Methods: 10 paired equine cadaver forelimbs from race-trained horses. Methods: A transverse midbody osteotomy of the medial proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) was created. The osteotomy was repaired with a 4.5-mm cortex bone screw placed in lag fashion or a 1.25-mm circumferential wire. The limbs were instrumented with differential variable relucta...
