Effects of superior check desmotomy on flexor tendon and suspensory ligament strain in equine cadaver limbs.

The research investigates the impacts of a specific surgical procedure, superior check desmotomy, on the strain applied to horse’s flexor tendon and suspensory ligaments. The results show that the procedure significantly increases the strain and alters the angles of certain joints, suggesting this operation could predispose horses to a ligament inflammation condition post-surgery.

Methodology

• The research examined the impacts of a superior check desmotomy, a transection of the accessory ligament of a horse’s superficial digital flexor muscle, how it influences strain on the flexor tendon and suspensory ligaments.
• For the study, ten equine cadaver forelimbs were used and secured in a servo-controlled hydraulic testing machine, providing controlled conditions for the experiment.
• Strain sensors measured the strain on the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and suspensory ligaments, while a goniometer was used to measure joint angles.
• The measurements were taken when the limb was loaded at 890 N and 3,115 N before the desmotomy, and then at 3,115 N after the desmotomy.

Results

• The results suggested that superior check desmotomy was connected with significantly increased strains on the superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligaments.
• Besides, there were significant alterations in the angles of the metacarpophalangeal and carpal joints.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that the superior check ligament has a pivotal role in maintaining joint angles and load distribution in the horse’s forelimb.
• The lengthening of the superficial digital flexor musculotendinous unit post-superior check desmotomy could be associated with an increased strain on the suspensory ligament.
• The study suggests that the transection of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor muscle might predispose horses to suspensory ligament desmitis, a type of ligament inflammation, as a postoperative consequence.