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.
Geburek F, Stadler P.Conventional treatments of equine tendon injuries lead to an unsatisfactory healing process that usually results in a relatively high recurrence rate. Therefore, in recent years so-called regenerative therapeutics were studied scientifically in vitro and in laboratory animals. These include substances that ideally lead to the formation of replacement tissue, which in contrast to the low quality scar, has similar functional properties as the original intact tendon. Currently, a plethora of different substrates is either commercially available or can be produced in practice with the help of kits...
Fowlie JG, Arnoczky SP, Lavagnino M, Stick JA.To identify potential functional-anatomical characteristics of the cranial horn attachment of the medial meniscus (MM) that may help explain the pathogenesis of the common tear patterns that have been reported. Objective: Full extension of the stifle generates a significant increase in tensile forces within the cranial meniscotibial ligament (CrMTL) of the MM, which may predispose this structure to injury. Methods: The effect of femorotibial angle (160°, 150°, 140° and 130°) on tensile forces in the axial and abaxial components of the CrMTL was examined in 6 mature cadaver stifles using an...
Tokateloff N, Carmalt J, Manning S.A horse was initially diagnosed with hemarthrosis and desmitis of the long medial collateral ligament of the right tarsus and later developed prominent enthesiophytosis at the site of insertion of the ligament's deep portion. Hemarthrosis due to intra- or peri-articular pathology can cause recurrent lameness, even without evident external trauma. Un cheval a été initialement diagnostiqué avec de l’hémarthrose et une desmite du ligament deltoïdien latéral long du tarse droit et a ultérieurement développé de l’enthésiophytose proéminente au site de l’insertion de la portion pro...
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...
Nagy A, Dyson S.There is limited information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the carpus and proximal metacarpal region of lame horses. Objective: To document MRI findings in horses with lameness localised to the carpus and/or proximal metacarpal region. Methods: Clinical records of horses that underwent MRI of the carpus and/or proximal metacarpal region at the Animal Health Trust between January 2003 and September 2010 were reviewed. Magnetic resonance images of all horses and available radiographs, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic images were assessed. When possible, MRI findings were rela...
Raes EV, Bergman EH, van der Veen H, Vanderperren K, Van der Vekens E, Saunders JH.To compare computed tomography (CT) images of equine tarsi with cross-sectional anatomic slices and evaluate the potential of CT for imaging pathological tarsal changes in horses. Methods: 6 anatomically normal equine cadaveric hind limbs and 4 tarsi with pathological changes. Methods: Precontrast CT was performed on 3 equine tarsi; sagittal and dorsal reconstructions were made. In all limbs, postcontrast CT was performed after intra-articular contrast medium injection of the tarsocrural, centrodistal, and tarsometatarsal joints. Images were matched with corresponding anatomic slices. Four tar...
Alves AG, Stewart AA, Dudhia J, Kasashima Y, Goodship AE, Smith RK.Tendon and ligament injuries have proved difficult to treat effectively. Cell-based therapies offer the potential to harness the complex protein synthetic machinery of the cell to induce a regenerative response rather than fibrous scarring. This article reviews the current state of play with respect to the clinically used cell preparations for the treatment of tendon and ligaments overstrain injuries.
Whitlock D, Garcia TC, Vallance SA, Stover SM.The specific biomechanical circumstances that induce excessive superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) strain in horses are unknown. Objective: Carpal joint hyperextension during axial limb loading during the middle of stance disproportionately enhances SDFT strains compared to suspensory ligament (SL) strains. Methods: Superficial digital flexor tendon and SL strains were measured in 7 cadaver limbs during in vitro loading that maintained carpal extension or allowed carpal hyperextension by constraining, or allowing rotation of, the radius during loading conditions that simulated the middle ...
McCoy AM, Goodrich LR.Annular ligament desmotomy is commonly performed in horses with chronic tenosynovitis. Previously reported tenoscopic techniques have limitations related to haemorrhage and awkward instrumentation. Radiofrequency (RF) energy affords precision and excellent haemostasis and may be a good alternative to sharp transection of the annular ligament in horses. Objective: To describe a technique for using a RF probe for tenoscopic-guided annular ligament desmotomy and to report the clinical outcome of horses in which it was performed. Methods: Cadaver specimens (n = 14) and live horses undergoing unrel...
Bowser JE, Elder SH, Rashmir-Raven AM, Swiderski CE.To describe the use of a cryogenic clamp of novel design for tensile strength testing of tendinous and ligamentous tissues with inherently high tensile strength. Methods: Inexpensive, easily machined steel clamps were manufactured to facilitate rapid insertion into a standard wedge-screw grip apparatus installed on a testing system with a control system attached. The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) of six horses was trimmed to a uniform dumbbell shape and secured in clamps using partial submersion in liquid nitrogen for approximately 45 seconds and immediately tested. Approximate time betwee...
Ohba T, Ebata S, Ando T, Ichikawa J, Clinton D, Haro H.Hematoma of the ligamentum flavum is a rare cause of neural compression, for which treatment has consisted of excising the hematoma via open surgical approaches, including total laminectomy or bilateral partial laminectomy. This article presents the first report of a microscope-assisted endoscopic decompression to resect a hematoma of the ligamentum flavum.A 52-year-old man presented with back and leg pain, as well as difficulty initiating micturation. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an epidural mass at L5/S1 that was continuous with the facet joint. Visualization was obtained via an e...
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....
Nagy A, Dyson S.Detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological appearances of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament (PSL) in the forelimb of nonlame horses have not been previously documented. Objective: 1) to describe detailed anatomy of the PSL, 2) describe high- and low-field MRI and histological appearances of the PSL and surrounding structures in the forelimb of horses with no carpal or proximal metacarpal pain, 3) assess the relationship between age, breed, gender, height, bodyweight and MRI findings and 4) describe the histological appearance of the PSL and compare this with MRI fi...
Barrett MF, Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW, Werpy NM.While descriptions of the visible soft tissues of the femorotibial joints exist for both arthroscopy and ultrasonography, there are few examples in the literature that discuss in detail the combined findings of these modalities. Objective: To further elucidate the ultrasonographic and arthroscopic boundaries of the normal equine femorotibial joints and improve the understanding of the benefits and limitations of each individual modality. Methods: Simultaneous arthroscopy and ultrasonography were performed in 10 equine cadaver stifles as well as bilateral stifles on a horse that underwent nonre...
Noble P, Lejeune JP, Caudron I, Lejeune P, Collin B, Denoix JM, Serteyn D.Whereas the effect of heel configuration on the tension of the suspensory apparatus is well documented in the literature, there are few reports of joint contact force components in the equine distal forelimb. Objective: To improve understanding of the effect of heel configuration on equine digit joint loading, a sensitivity analysis was performed to compare the effect of a raised heel on joint contact force components in the coffin and fetlock joints during the stance phase of the trot. Methods: Four Warmblood horses were used. An inverse dynamic analysis was carried out using kinematic and ki...
Elgersma AE, Wijnberg ID, Sleutjens J, van der Kolk JH, van Weeren PR, Back W.Head and neck positions (HNP) in sport horses are under debate in the equine community, as they could interfere with equine welfare. HNPs have not been quantified objectively and no information is available on their head and neck loading. Objective: To quantify in vivo HNPs in sport horses and develop o a model to estimate loading on the cervical vertebrae in these positions. Methods: Videos were taken of 7 Warmbloods at walk on a straight line in 5 positions, representing all HNPs during Warmblood training and competition. Markers were glued at 5 anatomical landmarks. Two-dimensional angles a...
Selberg K, Werpy N.Ungual cartilage ossification in the forelimb is a common finding in horses. Subtle abnormalities associated with the ungual cartilages can be difficult to identify on radiographs. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of 22 horses (23 forelimbs) with a fracture of the distal phalanx and ossified ungual cartilage were characterized and graded. All horses had a forelimb fracture. Eleven involved a left forelimb (seven medial; four lateral), and 12 involved a right forelimb (five medial; seven lateral). All fractures were nonarticular, simple in configuration, and nondisplaced. The fractures ...
Vekens EV, Bergman EH, Vanderperren K, Raes EV, Puchalski SM, Bree HJ, Saunders JH.To provide a detailed computed tomography (CT) reference of the anatomically normal equine stifle joint. Sample-16 hind limbs from 8 equine cadavers; no horses had evidence of orthopedic disease of the stifle joints. Methods: CT of the stifle joint was performed on 8 hind limbs. In all limbs, CT was also performed after intra-articular injection of 60 mL of contrast material (150 mg of iodine/mL) in the lateral and medial compartments of the femorotibial joint and 80 mL of contrast material in the femoropatellar joint (CT arthrography). Reformatted CT images in the transverse, parasagittal, an...
Gussekloo SW, Lankester J, Kersten W, Back W.To determine the effect of differences in structural and mechanical tendon properties on functionality of the passive stay apparatus in horses. Methods: 5 forelimbs each from nondwarf Friesians, dwarf Friesians, and ponies. Methods: Harvested forelimbs were loaded to test the passive stay apparatus. Tendons that stabilize the distal portion of the limb (superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, and tendo interosseus [suspensory ligament]) were isolated, and force-elongation data were obtained. Bone lengths, initial tendon lengths, and initial tendon cross-sectional areas w...
Torricelli P, Fini M, Filardo G, Tschon M, Pischedda M, Pacorini A, Kon E, Giardino R.Tissue repair in musculoskeletal injuries is often a slow and sometimes incomplete process. Regenerative medicine based on the use of growth factors (GFs) and cell therapy is aimed at improving the quality and speed of tendon and ligament healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for the administration of a combination of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and freshly isolated bone marrow mononucleated cells (BMMNCs) in 13 competition horses affected by overuse musculoskeletal injuries (suspensory ligament desmopathy and superficial flexor tendinopathy) and refractory to ...
Waguespack RW, Burba DJ, Hubert JD, Vidal MA, Lomax LG, Chirgwin SR, Lopez MJ.To evaluate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on collagenase-induced lesions in the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) of horses. Methods: Paired, blinded controlled study. Methods: Eight Thoroughbred horses (3 mares, 5 geldings; mean ± SD weight, 464 ± 26 kg, mean age, 8 ± 1.7 years). Methods: Lesions were created in both ALDDFTs of all horses by injection of 2 × 10(3) IU of collagenase type I. Percent lesion and structure (fiber alignment and echogenicity) were quantified with ultrasonographic imaging 3, 6, and 9 weeks after collagenase ...
Yiannikouris S, Schneider RK, Sampson SN, Roberts G.To report outcome after desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) in adult horses (≥2 years) for treatment of desmitis of the ALDDFT or flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (FDDIJ). Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses with desmitis of the ALDDFT (n=9) and FDDIJ (n=15). Methods: Records (April 1996-July 2008) of 24 adult horses (mean age, 6.7 years) that had ALDDFT desmotomy were reviewed. Follow-up data was obtained 12-120 months after desmotomy. Results: Outcome was available for 22 horses; 18 (82%; 6 of 8 horses with desmitis of the ...
Caldwell FJ, Waguespack RW.To develop a tenoscopic approach for desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (AL-DDFT) in horses. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Cadaveric forelimbs (n=10) and 4 forelimbs from 2 horses anesthetized for terminal teaching procedures, and 12 forelimbs of 6 experimental horses. Methods: Saline distention of the carpal flexor sheath facilitated insertion of an arthroscope into the distal medial aspect of the sheath between the AL-DDFT and deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Location of an instrument portal on the lateral aspect of the metacarpus was identified with a ...
Rabba S, Bolen G, Verwilghen D, Salciccia A, Busoni V.Foot pain is an important cause of lameness in horses. When horses with foot pain have no detectable radiographic abnormalities, soft-tissue assessment remains a diagnostic challenge without magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Ultrasonography can provide an alternative to MR imaging when that modality is not available but the extent of changes that might be seen has not been characterized. We reviewed the ultrasonographic findings in 39 horses with lameness responding positively to anesthesia of the palmar digital nerves and without radiographically detectable osseous abnormalities. Thirty of the...
Nagy A, Dyson S.Cadaver carpi of 30 mature horses with no history of carpal or proximal metacarpal pain were examined using low-field (0.27 T) and high-field (1.5 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Normal MRI anatomy in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal plane images was determined by comparison with anatomical specimens and standard texts. Subchondral bone and cortical bone thickness measurements were obtained from standardised sites. There was variable subchondral bone thickness in the radius and carpal bones; subchondral bone thickness was consistently larger at dorsal compared with palmar sites in the...
Plaas A, Sandy JD, Liu H, Diaz MA, Schenkman D, Magnus RP, Bolam-Bretl C, Kopesky PW, Wang VM, Galante JO.We describe analysis of suspensory ligaments from horses with advanced degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) to identify the major proteoglycans (PGs), ADAMTS-aggrecanases and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) components associated with ligament degeneration. Specific anatomical regions of suspensory ligaments from two normal horses and four diagnosed with DSLD were analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry for the following: aggrecan, aggrecan fragments, decorin, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, and IαI components. When compared to normal, DSLD ligaments showed about a 15-fold increas...
David F, Laverty S, Marcoux M, Szoke M, Celeste C.To report a tenoscopic technique using monopolar electrosurgery to transect the accessory ligament of superficial digital flexor muscle (AL-SDFM) and outcome in 33 horses. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n=33). Methods: Medical files and surgery video recordings of horses that had AL-SDFM desmotomy performed by tenoscopy with monopolar electrosurgical electrodes were reviewed. Results: Of 33 horses, 24 were Standardbred racehorses with surgery performed bilaterally for superficial digital flexor tendonitis and 9 horses had flexural deformity. Severe (n=6) and mild (6) intrathecal hemorr...
Boehart S, Arndt G, Rindermann G, Gmachl M, Carstanjen B.To obtain morphometric values for the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle, and suspensory ligament in the palmar metacarpal region of Icelandic Horses. Methods: 50 nonlame Icelandic Horses in training. Methods: Horses included 2 stallions, 30 geldings, and 18 mares from 4 to 20 years of age with a body mass index from 149.1 to 250.11 kg/m2. Transverse ultrasonographic images were obtained with an 8- to 10-MHz linear transducer and a standoff pad. In both forelimbs, the cross-sectional area, circumference, dorsopalm...
Bras JJ, Lillich JD, Beard WL, Anderson DE, Armbrust LJ, Frink E, Lease K.To (1) compare the effect of a collateral ligament sparing surgical approach with an open surgical approach on mechanical properties of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis, and (2) to determine the percentage of articular cartilage surface removed by transarticular (TA) drilling with different diameter drill bits. Methods: Randomized paired limb design. Methods: Cadaveric equine limbs (n=76). Methods: Cadaveric PIPJ were drilled using a 3.5, 4.5, or 5.5 mm drill bit at 80-84° to the dorsal plane to remove articular cartilage and subchondral bone from the distal articular surface...
Smith MR, Wright IM, Minshall GJ, Dudhia J, Verheyen K, Heinegård D, Smith RK.To evaluate digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) synovial fluid cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) concentrations as a molecular marker for intrathecal pathology. Methods: Case control study. Methods: Horses (n=46) with DFTS tenosynovitis; 23 fresh cadaver horses. Methods: DFTS synovial fluid samples were collected from clinical cases with noninfected DFTS tenosynovitis and from control DFTS. Clinical and surgical findings were recorded, and dissection of control limbs was performed to confirm the DFTS to be grossly normal. Synovial fluid COMP was quantified using a homologous competiti...
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...
Aldrich ED, Goodrich LR, Monahan MK, Conway JD, Valdés-Martínez A.Injury to the tendons and ligaments of the equine stifle is a common cause of lameness in horses. Individual radiographic localisation of each tendon and ligament of the stifle has not been previously reported or demonstrated in multiple radiographic projections. Objective: To create a series of radiographs identifying the origins and/or insertions of the tendons and ligaments of the equine stifle. Methods: Descriptive study of radiographic anatomy. Methods: The location of all entheses were determined by gross dissection. The proximal tibia and fibula, distal femur, patella and menisci were i...
Werpy NM, Ho CP, Garcia EB, Kawcak CE.Eight skeletally mature equine cadaver distal forelimbs were imaged using T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) sequences in a 1.0 T horizontal bore magnet. Each limb was parallel to the main magnetic field and with 16° angulation of the limb relative to the main magnetic field, which places one of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint at or near the magic angle. Each limb was imaged using an echo time (TE) of 80, 100, 120, and 140 ms. Reversal of the magic angle effect was achieved at echo time of 140 ms. However, given the alterations in tissue contrast and subjective decr...
Rabba S, Bolen G, Verwilghen D, Salciccia A, Busoni V.Foot pain is an important cause of lameness in horses. When horses with foot pain have no detectable radiographic abnormalities, soft-tissue assessment remains a diagnostic challenge without magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Ultrasonography can provide an alternative to MR imaging when that modality is not available but the extent of changes that might be seen has not been characterized. We reviewed the ultrasonographic findings in 39 horses with lameness responding positively to anesthesia of the palmar digital nerves and without radiographically detectable osseous abnormalities. Thirty of the...
Fjordbakk CT, Marques-Smith P.Interpretation of patellar ligament (PL) ultrasonography may be difficult, as hypoechoic or heterogenous echogenicity are common findings. Verifying suspected disease of equine PLs by histopathology is also problematic as descriptions of normal PL vascularity and histology are scarce. The current study describes the PL and infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) vascular pattern from computed tomography scans of barium perfused normal equine specimens (n = 8; age 10 days to 18 years), as well as routine histology to serve as a reference for future investigations into PL pathology and IFP disease. Re...
Wood AK, Sehgal CM, Polansky M.Sonographic observations were made of the image mean gray scale (MGS) of the flexor tendons and ligaments in the left and right metacarpal regions of each of 10 clinically normal horses. In images made in the dorsal and sagittal planes, the MGS was measured at multiple sites in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), accessory ligament (AL), and suspensory ligament (SL), and at single sites in the medial and lateral limbs of the SL, and the palmar ligament. Relative sonographic brightness of each tendon and ligament was calculated by dividing the value ...
Nagy A, Dyson S.Cadaver carpi of 30 mature horses with no history of carpal or proximal metacarpal pain were examined using low-field (0.27 T) and high-field (1.5 T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Normal MRI anatomy in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal plane images was determined by comparison with anatomical specimens and standard texts. Subchondral bone and cortical bone thickness measurements were obtained from standardised sites. There was variable subchondral bone thickness in the radius and carpal bones; subchondral bone thickness was consistently larger at dorsal compared with palmar sites in the...
Swanstrom MD, Stover SM, Hubbard M, Hawkins DA.To determine the relative contributions of the muscles, tendons, and accessory ligaments to the passive force-length properties of the superficial (SDF) and deep digital flexor (DDF) myotendinous complexes. Methods: 8 cadaveric forelimbs from 6 adult Thoroughbreds. Methods: In vitro, limb configurations during slack position and myotendinous lengths during subsequent axial loading of forelimbs were recorded before and after transection of accessory ligaments. Expressions were derived to describe the force-length behavior of each muscle, tendon, and accessory ligament-tendon unit; linear stiffn...
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...
Symons JE, Hawkins DA, Fyhrie DP, Upadhyaya SK, Stover SM.The metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) is the most commonly affected site of racehorse injury, with multiple observed pathologies consistent with extreme fetlock dorsiflexion. Race surface mechanics affect musculoskeletal structure loading and injury risk because surface forces applied to the hoof affect limb motions. Race surface mechanics are a function of controllable factors. Thus, race surface design has the potential to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injury through modulation of limb motions. However, the relationship between race surface mechanics and racehorse limb motions is...
Simmons EJ, Bertone AL, Weisbrode SE.To establish an instability model of osteoarthritis (OA) that mimics the early changes of naturally acquired OA. Methods: 6 mature radiographically normal horses. Procedure-The collateral and lateral collateral sesamoidean ligaments were transected in a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in each horse. Lameness examinations were performed every 7 days after surgery for 8 weeks. Radiographs were taken immediately before and after desmotomy and 8 weeks after surgery. Eight weeks after surgery, bilateral MCP joints were grossly evaluated, specimens of articular cartilage were harvested for histologi...
Spinella G, Loprete G, Castagnetti C, Musella V, Antonelli C, Vilar JM, Britti D, Capitani O, Valentini S.The aims of this research were to evaluate mean echogenicity (ME) of the deep and superficial digital flexor tendons (DDFT and SDFT), the interosseous muscle (IM), and the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) of the metacarpal region in neonatal foals, and determine the effect of sex, side and body weight on this quantitative ultrasonographic evaluation. Thirteen orthopedically sound neonatal foals were examined. Four areas of study (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B) were identified. Transverse scans of the DDFT, SDFT, IM and ALDDFT were obtained, recorded, and analyzed. The most echoge...
Nagy A, Dyson S.There is limited information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the carpus and proximal metacarpal region of lame horses. Objective: To document MRI findings in horses with lameness localised to the carpus and/or proximal metacarpal region. Methods: Clinical records of horses that underwent MRI of the carpus and/or proximal metacarpal region at the Animal Health Trust between January 2003 and September 2010 were reviewed. Magnetic resonance images of all horses and available radiographs, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic images were assessed. When possible, MRI findings were rela...
Gutiérrez-Crespo B, Kircher PR, Carrera I.The aim of this study was to describe the appearance of the ligamentous structures of the occipitoatlantoaxial (OAA) region in the normal horse by 3 tesla (3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI images of the longitudinal odontoid ligament, tectorial membrane, dorsal and ventral atlantoaxial ligaments, dorsal atlantooccipital membrane with its reinforcing ligaments, and the lateral atlantooccipital ligaments of 10 horse cadavers were evaluated. All ligaments and membranes were identified in all planes, except for the lateral atlantooccipital ligament in the sagittal plane due to its cra...
Fortier LA, Nixon AJ, Ducharme NG, Mohammed HO, Yeager A.To determine the outcome of horses with "complex" digital tenosynovitis treated by tenoscopic proximal annular ligament desmotomy and resection of synovial masses or adhesions, or both, within the digital sheath. Methods: Retrospective evaluation. Methods: Twenty-five horses with a clinical and ultrasonographic diagnosis of palmar or plantar proximal annular ligament constriction and ultrasonographic evidence of synovial masses or adhesions within the digital tendon sheath. Methods: Each horse had tenoscopic surgery for annular ligament desmotomy combined with adhesiolysis and/or synovial mass...
Shikh Alsook MK, Gabriel A, Salouci M, Piret J, Alzamel N, Moula N, Denoix JM, Antoine N, Baise E.Suspensory ligament (SL) injuries are an important cause of lameness in horses. The mechanical properties of connective tissue in normal and pathological ligaments are mainly related to fibril morphology, as well as collagen content and types. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using biochemical and ultrastructural approaches, the alterations in collagen fibrils after injury. Eight Warmblood horses with visible signs of injury in only one forelimb SL were selected and specimens were examined by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Collagen types I, III and V were purified by differe...
Palmer SE, Genovese R, Longo KL, Goodman N, Dyson S.The authors of this section represent a broad range of practice experience with horses that perform in rigorous and varied sport competitions. Each breed and performance application represent unique challenges of diagnosis and uncompromising demands on rehabilitated tendon injuries. This article will serve to guide, stimulate, and encourage veterinarians to apply scientific criteria to the evaluation of tendinitis therapy in the years to come so that we can arrive at a more valid consensus as to the "best" means of tendon and ligament injury management.
Dyson SJ.The purposes of this study were to investigate the ultrasonographic appearance of the patellar ligaments in clinically normal horses and to describe the clincical features, diagnosis and outcome of patellar ligament injury. The medial, middle and lateral patellar ligaments of 5 Thoroughbred and 5 Warmblood horses, free from lameness and in full work, were examined ultrasonographically. The ligaments were all of uniform echogenicity and each ligament was fairly consistent in its shape. The size of the ligaments of the Warmblood horses tended to be bigger than the lighter bodyweight Thoroughbred...
Schramme M, Josson A, Linder K.The suspensory ligament is difficult to image accurately, partly because it contains ligamentous fibers, as well as noncollagenous adipose and muscle tissue in the normal horse. Our hypothesis was that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging would be more accurate than ultrasonography in identifying the size of the suspensory ligament and the presence and size of noncollagenous tissues within the ligament. Eleven horses were used for ultrasonographic and MR imaging and histologic evaluation of the rear suspensory ligament. The origin and body of the normal suspensory ligament had a heterogenous appear...
Jansen MO, van Buiten A, van den Bogert AJ, Schamhardt HC.The in vivo strains of the musculus interosseus medius (suspensory ligament) and its rami extensorii (extensor branches) in the forelimb of the horse were determined from angular changes of the metacarpophalangeal and the distal interphalangeal joints. For this purpose, regression models were fitted to strains and joint angle combinations measured in in vitro limb loading experiments. The in vivo strains were computed from the kinematics of 8 horses at the walk, the trot and the canter. It was found that the extensor branches were strained about 1.0% at hoof impact, which indicates that they p...
Nixon AJ, Sams AE, Ducharme NG.An endoscopically assisted technique for internally dividing the palmar or plantar annular ligament was developed in six cadaver limb specimens and two anesthetized horses. Under arthroscopic view, a slotted cannula was inserted into the digital sheath through a stab wound proximal to the annular ligament and advanced through the fetlock canal superficial to the flexor tendons with the slot oriented toward the fibers of the annular ligament. Division of the annular ligament by 90-degree tipped open and guarded blades was observed and verified by direct arthroscopic view. At necropsy, complete ...
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...
Barrett MF, Goorchenko GE, Frisbie DD.Damage to the soft tissue structures of the digit is a common source of equine lameness. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for the most complete diagnostic imaging of the equine digit, ultrasound is more readily available and less expensive. This prospective diagnostic accuracy study compares ultrasound to MRI for the diagnosis of injuries visible with ultrasound within the digit, including the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL), and navicular bursa. Clinical patients underwent an MRI of the digit and a blinded ultrasound of the digit between t...
Gaschen L, Burba DJ.Adaptive and nonadaptive stress remodeling in Thoroughbred racehorses leads to most of their musculoskeletal injuries, and imaging plays an important role in its detection. Bone scintigraphy is important for detecting stress remodeling and stress fractures and aids in decision making when more than one lesion is present on MRI or radiographic examinations. MRI likely represents the best modality for the assessment of osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. Ultrasonography remains important as the first modality for the assessment of tendon and ligamentous inju...
Tnibar MA.To describe a surgical technique for splitting the proximal third of the medial patellar ligament (MPL) in horses and ponies with upward fixation of the patella (UFP), and to report outcome. Methods: Prospective clinical study. Methods: Four horses and 3 Shetland ponies. Methods: With ultrasound guidance, the proximal third of the MPL was split by percutaneous use of a no. 15 scalpel blade. The rationale for this surgical procedure was to induce a localized desmitis with subsequent ligament thickening. No anti-inflammatory drugs were administered, and horses and ponies were exercised the day a...
Cauvin ER, Munroe GA, Boswell J, Boyd JS.This study was undertaken to establish the gross anatomy and the ultrasonographic appearance of the carpal digital flexor tendon sheath (carpal sheath) and the palmar carpal region in normal horses. The isolated forelimbs from 15 horses were used to study the morphology of the sheath and associated structures, including a detailed study of the location of the main blood vessels and nerves in that region. These limbs and the forelimbs of five live, sound horses were also examined ultrasonographically. The examination yielded good soft tissue detail of the tendons and ligaments, synovial and per...
Korosue K, Endo Y, Murase H, Ishimaru M, Nambo Y, Sato F.Flexural deformities are common conditions of growing horses and are suggested to have a relationship with the contraction of musculotendinous units. However, limited studies have documented the changes in each tendon and ligament in the metacarpal region with age. Objective: To investigate the changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of each tendon and ligament in the metacarpal region with age by ultrasonographic examination. Methods: Longitudinal study of foals from Day 1 to age 24 months. Methods: The CSA of the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, accessory liga...
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...
