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Equine veterinary journal2024; doi: 10.1111/evj.14447

A review of the equine suspensory ligament: Injury prone yet understudied.

Abstract: The suspensory ligament (SL) is a key component of the elaborate and highly adapted suspensory apparatus in the horse. In addition to contributing to stabilisation of the metacarpophalangeal joint, the SL has a spring like function to reduce the energetic cost of locomotion. Although the SL is highly prone to injury in horses of all ages and competing in a wide range of disciplines, knowledge regarding fundamental structure-function relationships in the SL is lacking, particularly compared with other injury-prone tendinous structures such as the superficial digital flexor tendon. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of SL composition, structure and mechanical properties and describe the epidemiology, aetiology and pathophysiology of injuries. We evaluate different diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities and identify key areas for future research.
© 2024 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2024-11-27 PubMed ID: 39604165DOI: 10.1111/evj.14447Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The article reviews the equine suspensory ligament (SL), a crucial part of the horse’s anatomy that is often prone to injuries, but surprisingly understudied in the scientific literature. It discusses the SL’s composition, structure, and role, the types and causes of injuries it commonly sustains, and the different methods of diagnosing and treating these injuries.

The Suspensory Ligament in Horses

In horses, the SL plays a significant role:

  • It contributes to the stability of the metacarpophalangeal joint.
  • It works like a spring to reduce the energetic cost of locomotion.

Regardless of its importance, studies about the SL structure and function in relation to its susceptibility to injuries are surprisingly scarce, especially compared to other horse tendinous structures prone to injuries such as the superficial digital flexor tendon.

Composition, Structure and Mechanical Properties of the SL

The review explores:

  • The composition of the SL, including the type of cells, proteins, and extracellular matrix components that it contains.
  • The structure of the SL, including its size, shape, and how its components are arranged.
  • The mechanical properties of the SL, such as its strength, flexibility, and how it behaves under different degrees of tension and compression.

Injury Epidemiology, Aetiology and Pathophysiology

The article reports on:

  • The prevalence and types of SL injuries in horses, spanning across all ages and various disciplines.
  • The causes of these injuries, whether from acute trauma, chronic wear and tear, anatomical anomalies, or other factors.
  • The pathophysiology of these injuries, or how they affect the normal function of the SL and the horse’s locomotion.

Diagnostic Approaches and Treatment Modalities

Aside from shining a light on the nature and causes of SL injuries, the review also provides insights into:

  • The different ways to diagnose SL injuries, which could include physical examinations, imaging techniques like X-rays or ultrasound, and biomarker tests.
  • The different treatment options for SL injuries, which could include physical therapies, medications, surgeries, or lifestyle changes.

Directions for Future Research

Finally, the article identifies key gaps in the current state of knowledge about the equine SL, which opens up directions for future research. These gaps could involve understanding more about the structure-function relationships in the SL, improving methods for diagnosing and treating SL injuries, or devising preventive measures to protect the SL from injury.

Cite This Article

APA
Guest DJ, Birch HL, Thorpe CT. (2024). A review of the equine suspensory ligament: Injury prone yet understudied. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14447

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Guest, Deborah J
  • Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.
Birch, Helen L
  • Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, London, UK.
Thorpe, Chavaunne T
  • Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.

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