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Research in veterinary science1992; 53(3); 354-359; doi: 10.1016/0034-5288(92)90139-s

Functional significance of the morphology and micromechanics of collagen fibres in relation to partial rupture of the superficial digital flexor tendon in racehorses.

Abstract: The high incidence of partial rupture of the superficial digital flexor tendor in the equine athlete represents a major cause for concern in the racing industry. Frequently, the lesion is localised to the central core of the tendon. This study tested the hypothesis that the site specific structural failure results from differences in the collagen fibre morphology and associated micromechanics between central and peripheral regions of the tendon. Bundles of collagen fibres were dissected from central and peripheral sites in the mid-metacarpal region of the tendon. Crimp morphology was quantified by polarised light microscopy and mechanical characteristics determined using a fibre tensometer. In older horses, centrally located fibres showed significantly lower values for crimp angle, crimp length and toe limit strain than seen peripherally. There were no significant differences in these features between corresponding sites in the younger horses. No significant difference between sites was found in elastic modulus in either group. These data indicate a non-uniform functional stress distribution which may result from ageing or be related to the exercise history as a feature of accumulated damage. These observations may explain the location of central core lesions seen on clinical examination.
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Publication Date: 1992-11-01 PubMed ID: 1465509DOI: 10.1016/0034-5288(92)90139-sGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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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 study investigates the reasons behind the high occurrence of partial ruptures in the superficial digital flexor tendon in racehorses. The researchers hypothesize that localized changes in the structure and mechanics of the collagen fibres in the tendon could be the underlying cause.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers focused on the central and peripheral parts of the racehorse’s tendon, particularly in the mid-metacarpal area. The study compares the differences between the morphological and micromechanical characteristics of the collagen fibres in these two areas.
  • They employed polarised light microscopy to quantify the crimp (bend or curve in fibre) morphology in the collagen fibre bundles they dissected from the examined sites.
  • A device known as a fibre tensometer was used to determine the mechanical properties of these fibres.

Findings

  • The study found that in older horses, the collagen fibres in the central region of the tendon displayed significantly smaller values for crimp angle, crimp length, and toe limit strain (the strain at which the deformation of material begins to move from elastic to plastic) than the fibres in the peripheral region.
  • Interestingly, there were no notable differences in these characteristics between the central and peripheral sites in younger horses.
  • When it came to the elastic modulus (a measure of the stiffness in a material), there were no significant differences between the central and peripheral sites in either age group.

Implications

  • The findings suggest an uneven distribution of functional stress in the tendon, which could either be a result of ageing or associated with the exercise history of the horse due to accrued damage.
  • This uneven stress distribution might be the reason why the central core lesions, which are often observed during clinical checkups, occur.
  • Although the study does not provide definitive solutions for the problem, it provides valuable insights that could lead to the development of preventive measures or treatments for this pervasive issue in the racing industry.

Cite This Article

APA
Wilmink J, Wilson AM, Goodship AE. (1992). Functional significance of the morphology and micromechanics of collagen fibres in relation to partial rupture of the superficial digital flexor tendon in racehorses. Res Vet Sci, 53(3), 354-359. https://doi.org/10.1016/0034-5288(92)90139-s

Publication

Research in veterinary science
ISSN: 0034-5288
NlmUniqueID: 0401300
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 3
Pages: 354-359

Researcher Affiliations

Wilmink, J
  • Vakgroep Functionele Morfologie, Faculteit Diergeneeskunde, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Wilson, A M
    Goodship, A E

      MeSH Terms

      • Aging / physiology
      • Animals
      • Biomechanical Phenomena
      • Collagen / physiology
      • Horses / anatomy & histology
      • Horses / injuries
      • Horses / physiology
      • Rupture / veterinary
      • Tendon Injuries / physiopathology
      • Tendon Injuries / veterinary
      • Tendons / anatomy & histology
      • Tendons / physiology

      Citations

      This article has been cited 12 times.
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        doi: 10.1302/2046-3758.38.2000251pubmed: 25106417google scholar: lookup
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      10. Carroll CC, Dickinson JM, Haus JM, Lee GA, Hollon CJ, Aagaard P, Magnusson SP, Trappe TA. Influence of aging on the in vivo properties of human patellar tendon. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008 Dec;105(6):1907-15.
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      11. Choi Y, Parkin T. Risk factors for superficial digital flexor tendinopathy in Thoroughbred racehorses in South Korea (2015-2019). Equine Vet J 2026 Jan;58(1):31-39.
        doi: 10.1111/evj.14493pubmed: 40104935google scholar: lookup
      12. Hefferan SA, Blaker CL, Ashton DM, Little CB, Clarke EC. Structural Variations of Tendons: A Systematic Search and Narrative Review of Histological Differences Between Tendons, Tendon Regions, Sex, and Age. J Orthop Res 2025 May;43(5):994-1011.
        doi: 10.1002/jor.26060pubmed: 40012190google scholar: lookup
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