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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Are the material properties and matrix composition of equine...
Equine veterinary journal2003; 35(3); 314-318; doi: 10.2746/042516403776148327

Are the material properties and matrix composition of equine flexor and extensor tendons determined by their functions?

Abstract: Injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is common in competition horses. The SDFT contributes to locomotory efficiency by storing energy; such tendons have low safety margins. Tendons which merely position the limb, including the opposing common digital extensor tendon (CDET), are rarely injured. The current failure of strategies to prevent or effectively treat injury to the SDFT indicates the importance of understanding how it differs from tendons which are not injury-prone. Objective: That the structural and material properties and matrix composition of the SDFT and CDET differ, reflecting their specific functional requirements in vivo. Methods: Forelimb tendons were harvested from 26 mature horses and loaded to failure prior to matrix composition analysis of specimens. Results: The SDFT had a significantly higher cross-sectional area, structural stiffness, failure load and failure strain and a lower elastic modulus than the CDET (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The SDFT has conflicting requirements for strength and elasticity; although as a whole it is a stiffer structure than the CDET, differences in the matrix molecular composition including water and total sulphated glycosaminoglycan contents allow it to remain more elastic as a material. Conclusions: Further information on how the two tendons attain these different properties may be of use in the development of prevention and treatment strategies for SDFT rupture.
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Publication Date: 2003-05-21 PubMed ID: 12755437DOI: 10.2746/042516403776148327Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 research investigates the material properties and matrix composition of two different types of tendons in horses – superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and common digital extensor tendon (CDET). The study finds that these tendons have different characteristics and compositions, which likely reflects their different functions and roles in horse movement. Further understanding of these differences could potentially help in developing treatment strategies for tendon injuries.

Objective and Methodology

  • The research aimed to understand how the structural properties and matrix composition of the SDFT and CDET differ, reflecting their unique functional requirements in horses.
  • The researchers gathered forelimb tendons from 26 mature horses and loaded these to failure before conducting an in-depth matrix composition analysis.

Findings

  • The study found that SDFT has a higher cross-sectional area, structural stiffness, failure load, and failure strain compared to CDET.
  • Interestingly, the SDFT showed a lower elastic modulus than CDET, indicating that SDFT, despite being a stiffer structure overall, remains more elastic. This elasticity is facilitated by differences in the matrix molecular composition, particularly water and total sulphated glycosaminoglycan contents.

Conclusions

  • The results emphasize the dual need of the SDFT for strength and elasticity. Due to its demanding functions in locomotion and energy storage, the SDFT needs to strike a balance between being a strong, robust structure and retaining a degree of elasticity to withstand the strains of movement.
  • The findings of this research indicate that deeper insight into how these two different tendons attain their unique properties could benefit the development of prevention and treatment strategies for common tendon injuries, such as SDFT rupture.

Cite This Article

APA
Batson EL, Paramour RJ, Smith TJ, Birch HL, Patterson-Kane JC, Goodship AE. (2003). Are the material properties and matrix composition of equine flexor and extensor tendons determined by their functions? Equine Vet J, 35(3), 314-318. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516403776148327

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 35
Issue: 3
Pages: 314-318

Researcher Affiliations

Batson, E L
  • Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
Paramour, R J
    Smith, T J
      Birch, H L
        Patterson-Kane, J C
          Goodship, A E

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Forelimb
            • Glycosaminoglycans / analysis
            • Horses / anatomy & histology
            • Horses / physiology
            • Rupture / pathology
            • Rupture / prevention & control
            • Rupture / veterinary
            • Stress, Mechanical
            • Tendon Injuries / pathology
            • Tendon Injuries / prevention & control
            • Tendon Injuries / veterinary
            • Tendons / anatomy & histology
            • Tendons / chemistry
            • Tendons / physiology
            • Water / analysis

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