Suspensory ligament desmitis.
Abstract: The gross and functional anatomy of the suspensory ligament (SL) and its ultrasonographic variability are described. Injuries of the suspensory apparatus are divided into lesions confined to the proximal one third of the metacarpus or metatarsus (proximal suspensory desmitis and avulsion fractures), lesions of the body, and branch lesions. Complete breakdown injuries are also discussed. In view of the close association of the SL, the second, third, and fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bones, and the proximal sesamoid bones, associated bony lesions are also considered.
Publication Date: 1995-08-01 PubMed ID: 7584734DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30319-xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article discusses the structure and functional anatomy of the suspensory ligament (SL), its ultrasound characteristics, and various injuries of the SL including associated bone lesions.
Anatomy and Ultrasonographic Variability of the Suspensory Ligament
- The study begins by describing the gross (visible to the naked eye) and functional anatomy of the suspensory ligament (SL). The SL plays a key role in the locomotion of horses, functioning as a shock absorber and aiding in the extension of the joint during movement.
- In addition, the researchers discuss the ultrasonographic variability of the SL. This refers to how the SL might appear different on an ultrasound, which could be due to features like the size, orientation and composition of the ligament fibers.
Injuries of the Suspensory Ligament
- Next, the article categorizes injuries to the SL. They can be divided based on the location of the injury. These include those confined to the proximal part of the metacarpus or metatarsus (limbs), known as proximal suspensory desmitis and avulsion fractures, lesions on the body of the SL, and branch lesions.
- Proximal suspensory desmitis refers to inflammation of the ligament near the torso, while an avulsion fracture involves a small piece of bone being broken off as a result of the ligament pulling away.
- Branch lesions refer to damage to the two branches of the SL which connect to the sesamoids (small bones embedded in the tendon).
- Complete breakdown injuries, where the ligament loses its ability to absorb shock and maintain joint stability, are also explored in the study.
Associated Bony Lesions
- Finally, the researchers discuss the potential for injuries associated with bones within the vicinity of the SL. Given the SL’s close association with the second, third, and fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bones and the proximal sesamoid bones, these are considered key areas of focus. Lesions, or injuries, to these bones, could result from the same incident that caused a SL injury or may influence the treatment and prognosis of the ligament injury.
Cite This Article
APA
Dyson SJ, Arthur RM, Palmer SE, Richardson D.
(1995).
Suspensory ligament desmitis.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 11(2), 177-215.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30319-x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Clinical Unit, Animal Health Trust, Suffolk, England.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Extremities
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Inflammation / veterinary
- Lameness, Animal
- Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
- Ligaments / pathology
- Radiography
- Ultrasonography
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Gerdes C, Morgan R, Terry R, Foote A, Smith R. Computed tomographic arthrography, gross anatomy and histology demonstrate a communication between synovial invaginations in the proximal aspect of the third interosseous muscle and the carpometacarpal joint in horses.. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:958598.
- Pluim M, Martens A, Vanderperren K, van Weeren R, Oosterlinck M, Dewulf J, Kichouh M, Van Thielen B, Koene MHW, Luciani A, Plancke L, Delesalle C. High-Power Laser Therapy Improves Healing of the Equine Suspensory Branch in a Standardized Lesion Model.. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:600.
- Mizobe F, Nomura M, Kato T, Nambo Y, Yamada K. Signal changes in standing magnetic resonance imaging of osseous injury at the origin of the suspensory ligament in four Thoroughbred racehorses under tiludronic acid treatment.. J Equine Sci 2017;28(3):87-97.
- Spaas JH, Guest DJ, Van de Walle GR. Tendon regeneration in human and equine athletes: Ubi Sumus-Quo Vadimus (where are we and where are we going to)?. Sports Med 2012 Oct 1;42(10):871-90.
- Halper J, Kim B, Khan A, Yoon JH, Mueller PO. Degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis as a systemic disorder characterized by proteoglycan accumulation.. BMC Vet Res 2006 Apr 12;2:12.
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