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Anatomical, magnetic resonance imaging and histological findings in the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon of forelimbs in nonlame horses.
Abstract: Detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological appearances of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (AL-DDFT) have not been documented previously in detail. Objective: To: 1) describe anatomical connections between the AL-DDFT and adjacent structures; 2) describe high-field and low-field MRI and histological appearances of the AL-DDFT in the forelimb of horses with no carpal or proximal metacarpal pain; and 3) assess the relationship between age, breed, gender, height, weight and MRI findings. Methods: Ten forelimbs were dissected to determine anatomical relationships among the AL-DDFT and adjacent structures. High- and low-field MR images of the AL-DDFT and related structures from 29 cadaver limbs of nonlame horses were analysed subjectively and objectively. The relationship between age, breed, gender, height, weight and MRI findings was assessed using a Chi-squared test. Twelve ALs-DDFT were examined histologically. Histological and MRI findings were compared subjectively. Results: Fibrous bundles were seen between the AL-DDFT and the lateral aspect of the superficial digital flexor tendon (n = 9) and the DDFT (n = 2). The AL-DDFT had low to intermediate signal intensity in most limbs in most high-field and low-field MRI sequences. In 69% of limbs, oblique bands of higher signal intensity than the rest of the ligament were identified in high-field images of the AL-DDFT. The cross-sectional area of the AL-DDFT in the proximal 7 cm of the metacarpal region ranged from 68.1-299 mm(2) . There was no significant relationship between age, gender, weight or height and either the cross-sectional area of the AL-DDFT or the presence of oblique higher signal intensity bands. Histological examination revealed that the AL-DDFT had thick collagen bundles arranged in large crimps and sometimes crossing in oblique directions. The cellularity was greater than in the deep digital flexor tendon in all limbs. Conclusions: The large variability in the MRI appearance and size of the AL-DDFT in nonlame horses should be borne in mind when interpreting MR images of lame horses.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2010-09-23 PubMed ID: 21492208DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00217.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research paper presents an in-depth exploration of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (AL-DDFT) in horses. It examines the anatomical connections, MRI and histological appearances of the ligament in non-lame horses. The study also explores the relationship between factors like age, breed, gender, height, weight and the MRI findings.
Anatomical Connections
- The study began with the dissection of ten forelimbs to identify the anatomical connections between the AL-DDFT and adjacent structures.
- Fibrous bundles were discovered connecting the AL-DDFT to the superficial digital flexor tendon and the deep digital flexor tendon in some cases.
MRI Appearances
- High- and low-field MR images of the AL-DDFT and associated structures from 29 cadaver limbs of non-lame horses were reviewed and analyzed both subjectively and objectively.
- The AL-DDFT mostly showed low to intermediate signal intensity in both types of MRI sequences.
- However, oblique bands with higher signal intensity than the rest of the ligament were identified in high-field images of the AL-DDFT in about 69% of examined limbs.
Histological Appearances
- Twelve AL-DDFT samples were examined histologically.
- The histological examinations revealed that the AL-DDFT consists of thick collagen bundles arranged in large-shaped bends or crimps, sometimes crossing in oblique directions.
- The cellularity of the AL-DDFT was found to be greater than that of the deep digital flexor tendon in all the studied limbs.
Relationship with Age, Breed, Gender, Height, and Weight
- These demographic and physical factors of the horses were analyzed for a possible relationship with the MRI findings using the Chi-squared test.
- The results did not establish any significant relationship between age, gender, weight, or height with the AL-DDFT’s cross-sectional area or the presence of oblique higher signal intensity bands.
Conclusion
- The researchers conclude that there’s a considerable variability in the MRI appearances and sizes of the AL-DDFT in non-lame horses.
- They suggest that these variabilities should be taken into consideration when interpreting MR images of lame horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Nagy A, Dyson S.
(2010).
Anatomical, magnetic resonance imaging and histological findings in the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon of forelimbs in nonlame horses.
Equine Vet J, 43(3), 309-316.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00217.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, UK. annamaria.nagy@aht.org.uk
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Forelimb / anatomy & histology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Ligaments / anatomy & histology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Tendons / anatomy & histology
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Kubo K, Ikebukuro T, Maki A, Yata H, Tsunoda N. Time course of changes in the human Achilles tendon properties and metabolism during training and detraining in vivo. Eur J Appl Physiol 2012 Jul;112(7):2679-91.
- Eren G, López-Albors O, López Corbalán M, Latorre R. Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Equine Palmar Metacarpal Region Using E12 Plastinated Sections. Animals (Basel) 2026 Feb 1;16(3).
- Eren G, López-Albors O, Guilabert Segura R, Jordan Montesinos J, Latorre R. Accessory Ligament of the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon of the Horse Forelimb and Its Relationship with the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon: A Plastination, Histological, and Morphometry Study. Animals (Basel) 2024 Oct 14;14(20).
- Nagy A, Dyson S. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 31 Warmblood Showjumpers in Full Work and Competing Regularly. Animals (Basel) 2024 May 9;14(10).
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