A review of tendon injury: why is the equine superficial digital flexor tendon most at risk?
Abstract: Tendon injury is one of the most common causes of wastage in the performance horse; the majority of tendon injuries occur to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) whereas few occur to the common digital extensor tendon. This review outlines the epidemiology and aetiology of equine tendon injury, reviews the different functions of the tendons in the equine forelimb and suggests possible reasons for the high rate of failure of the SDFT. An understanding of the mechanisms leading to matrix degeneration and subsequent tendon gross failure is the key to developing appropriate treatment and preventative measures.
Publication Date: 2010-02-17 PubMed ID: 20156256DOI: 10.2746/042516409X480395Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
Summary
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The research article is an in-depth analysis into tendon injuries in horses, particularly in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), to unravel the reasons behind its high rate of failure, and the potential preventive measures that could be implemented based on the understanding of its degeneration mechanisms.
Research Overview
- The research begins with an exploration into the epidemiology and etiology of equine tendon injuries. These are injuries to the tendons in horses which are seen as one of the leading causes of performance reduction in the animal. The study notes that the majority of these tendon injuries occur to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), and few to the common digital extensor tendon. As such, the research dives deep into why the SDFT is the most affected.
Functions of Tendons in Equine Forelimb
- The research provides a detailed review of the different functions of the tendons in the equine forelimb. It outlines the role of these tendons in relation to the horse’s biomechanics, the forces acting on them, and their response to these forces.
Investigating the High Rate of SDFT failure
- The article then raises the key question around the high rate of failure of the SDFT and proposes potential reasons behind this. It discuss the structural makeup of the SDFT, its mechanical load, and the horse’s exercise regime, noting that a combination of these factors may contribute to the observed high rate of SDFT injuries.
Matrix Degeneration and Tendon Failure
- The research goes on to explore the mechanisms that lead to matrix degeneration and subsequent tendon failure. It elucidates how overstraining the tendon, cumulative micro-traumas, and suboptimal management practices can lead to progressive matrix degeneration and finally to visible tendon injuries.
Preventive Measures and Treatments
- Finally, the research provides insight into the possible preventive measures and treatments that could be explored based on an understanding of the degeneration mechanisms. It underscores the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate management strategies, and innovative therapeutic interventions to tackle equine tendon injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Thorpe CT, Clegg PD, Birch HL.
(2010).
A review of tendon injury: why is the equine superficial digital flexor tendon most at risk?
Equine Vet J, 42(2), 174-180.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X480395 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University College London, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, Stanmore Campus, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, London HA7 4LP.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Forelimb / injuries
- Forelimb / pathology
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses / injuries
- Tendon Injuries / pathology
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
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