Elastic properties of collateral and sesamoid ligaments in the forelimbs of equine cadavers.

The study examines the elasticity of various ligaments in the forelimbs of deceased horses. By analyzing 408 ligaments from diverse horse breeds, the researchers observe significant differences in elastic modulus among joints, with certain horse breeds demonstrating greater flexibility in specific areas than others.

Research Methodology

• In this study, the scientists used 408 collateral and sesamoid ligaments from the forelimbs of 19 horse cadavers, including 10 Thoroughbreds and 9 horses of other breeds.
• The ligaments were harvested from the proximal interphalangeal, metacarpophalangeal, carpal, and elbow joints of all the involved horses.
• For precise results, the ligaments’ dimensions were measured and their elastic modulus (a measure of elasticity, or the degree to which a particular material will return to its original shape after stress is relaxed) was determined through tensile testing with a strain rate of 1 mm per second.

Key Findings

• The researchers observed a noteworthy difference in the elastic modulus of the ligaments among different joints. The medial collateral ligament of the metacarpophalangeal joints of Thoroughbreds demonstrated the highest mean elastic modulus, while the lateral collateral ligament of elbow joints in other breeds showed the lowest elastic modulus.
• Thoroughbred horses had a significantly higher elastic modulus for collar ligaments in the proximal interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints compared to other breeds.
• There was a notable variation in the elastic modulus across the sample, indicating varying degrees of flexibility in the ligaments of different horses or different joints within the same horse.
• Furthermore, the study found a negative correlation between age and the elastic modulus, indicating that older horses may have less flexible ligaments. Similarly, in ligaments in the distal part of the forelimbs, the elastic modulus decreased with an increase in the horse’s height at the highest point of the shoulders, or the withers.

Conclusions and Implications

• The findings suggest that the cross-sectional area and the elastic modulus of collateral ligaments in the forelimbs of the examined equine cadavers vary significantly between breeds and among joints.
• This variation could potentially reflect the different physiological functions of the joints under loading during exercise, implying a link between the breed of horse, the specific exercise it undertakes, and the ligament’s elasticity.
• The findings are potentially valuable to the veterinary field, horse breeders, equestrians, and others concerned with the health and performance of horses, offering insights into factors influencing their flexibility.