Anatomical variations of the equine popliteal tendon.
Abstract: The function of the popliteal muscle and tendon in horses remains undescribed. In humans, it is considered a stabilizer of the posterior-lateral region of the knee; its function is closely related to that of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and meniscus. The popliteal tendon (PopT) constitutes the main proximal attachment of the popliteus muscle to the femur, and in humans, insertional variations have been described. Knowledge of anatomical variations is needed for the correct interpretation of diagnostic images and arthroscopic findings. To elucidate further the anatomy of the equine PopT, both hind limbs of 30 horses were dissected. Similar to humans, the equine PopT has 3 variants (types I, II, and III) depending on the number of components forming the tendon. Additionally, the area of insertion varies; the location can be either cranial, underneath, or caudal to the proximal insertion of the LCL. Furthermore, the PopT has a constant attachment to the lateral meniscus. The results of the present study are useful for clinicians working with equine orthopedics, as the tendon and insertional variants could affect the interpretation of diagnostic images and arthroscopic examinations.
© 2019 The Korean Society of Veterinary Science.
Publication Date: 2019-08-01 PubMed ID: 31364321PubMed Central: PMC6669204DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2019.20.e36Google 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
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.
This research investigates the anatomical variations of the equine popliteal tendon, a previously undescribed component of horse physiology. Through dissection of the hind limbs of 30 horses, variations in this tendon and its potential implications for equine orthopedics are explored.
Study Overview
- The study focuses on the popliteal muscle and tendon in horses, an area that has not been explored in depth in the past. Despite the role of this tendon in humans being relatively clear, acting as a stabilizer for the knee, its purpose in horses previously remained unknown.
- For understanding this, the researchers dissected the hind limbs of 30 horses to observe the direct anatomical evidence.
- Through their investigations, researchers found that, like in humans, the equine popliteal tendon also possesses different variants, specifically three types: I, II, and III. These variations are determined by the number of components that constitute the tendon.
- Besides the variation in structure, the location of the insertion point of the tendon can also fluctuate. This insertion point could be found either cranial (front), underneath, or caudal (hind) to the proximal insertion of the lateral collateral ligament.
- Moreover, it was observed that the popliteal tendon has a consistent attachment to the lateral meniscus — a fibrocartilage band partly dividing a joint cavity.
- The discovered variations in the popliteal tendon could have significant implications for equine orthopedics. Specifically, varying tendon and insertion structures could impact the interpretation of diagnostic images and arthroscopic examinations.
- This newly found knowledge could potentially help clinicians improve diagnostic accuracy and potentially evolve the treatment and rehabilitation methods for equine patients with knee-related issues.
Anatomical Variations
Implications for Equine Orthopedics
Cite This Article
APA
Cuevas-Ramos G, Cova M, Arguelles D, Prades M.
(2019).
Anatomical variations of the equine popliteal tendon.
J Vet Sci, 20(4), e36.
https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2019.20.e36 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Université de Toulouse, Equine Surgery Department, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse 31076, France.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Equine Clinic, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Spain. gcuevasenvt@gmail.com.
- Université de Toulouse, Equine Surgery Department, École Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Toulouse 31076, France.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Equine Clinic, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Equine Clinic, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Hindlimb / anatomy & histology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Male
- Tendons / anatomy & histology
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
References
This article includes 7 references
- English S, Perret D. Posterior knee pain.. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2010 Jun 12;3(1-4):3-10.
- Jadhav SP, More SR, Riascos RF, Lemos DF, Swischuk LE. Comprehensive review of the anatomy, function, and imaging of the popliteus and associated pathologic conditions.. Radiographics 2014 Mar-Apr;34(2):496-513.
- Rosas HG. Unraveling the Posterolateral Corner of the Knee.. Radiographics 2016 Oct;36(6):1776-1791.
- McIlwright CW, Wright I, Nixon A, Boening KJ. Arthroscopy of the stifle. 3rd ed. New York: Mosby Ltd.; 2005; p. 178.
- Feipel V, Simonnet ML, Rooze M. The proximal attachments of the popliteus muscle: a quantitative study and clinical significance.. Surg Radiol Anat 2003 Apr;25(1):58-63.
- Chuncharunee A, Chanthong P, Lucksanasombool P. The patterns of proximal attachments of the popliteus muscle: form and function.. Med Hypotheses 2012 Feb;78(2):221-4.
- Doral MN, Atay AO, Bozkurt M, Ayvaz M, Tetik O, Leblebicioglu G. Three-bundle popliteus tendon: a nonsymptomatic anatomical variation.. Knee 2006 Aug;13(4):342-3.
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Møller-Jensen M, Blomquist MH, Mortensen CL, Olsson IKC, Cuevas-Ramos G. Development of an Ultrasound Technique to Evaluate the Popliteal Complex in the Horse. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 22;12(7).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
