The intercarpal ligaments of the equine midcarpal joint, Part 2: The role of the palmar intercarpal ligaments in the restraint of dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones.
Abstract: To determine the relative contributions of the palmar intercarpal ligaments in the midcarpal joint to the restraint of dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones. Methods: A biomechanical study of cadaver equine carpi. Methods: Eight equine forelimbs from six thoroughbred horses. Methods: With joints in full extension, the radius was dorsally displaced while midcarpal joint displacement was measured. The restraining force at a joint displacement of 1.5 mm was determined from the load-displacement curve. A ligament or pair of ligaments was then cut and the testing procedure repeated. Their contribution to restraining force was calculated as the percentage change in restraining force after the ligament was sectioned. Relative cross-sectional areas of the ligaments tested were measured at the level of the midcarpal joint. Results: The collateral ligaments were the major contributors to the restraint of dorsal displacement (P < .001). In all joints, the palmar intercarpal ligaments contributed a greater proportion than the palmar carpal ligament (PCL) (P < .05). The mean percentage (+/-SEM) contributions to the restraint of dorsal displacement were 62.8 +/- 3.4 for the collateral ligaments, 14.5 +/- 1.4 for the PCL, and 22.7 +/- 2.2 for the palmar intercarpal ligaments. Mean cross-sectional area expressed as a percentage (+/-SEM) of the total ligamentous area were 9.0 +/- 0.3 for the palmar intercarpal ligaments, 27.1 +/- 3.0 for the PCL, and 63.8 +/- 2.8 for the collateral ligaments. Conclusions: Despite the small size of the palmar intercarpal ligaments, they play an important role in the restraint of dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones. Conclusions: Interpretation, as well as prevention and treatment of intercarpal ligament tearing requires an understanding of their function.
Publication Date: 1997-10-06 PubMed ID: 9381661DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950x.1997.tb01695.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
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 study examines the role of palmar intercarpal ligaments in the midcarpal joint, specifically their contribution to preventing the backward movement of carpal bones in horses. While they are relatively small, the findings suggest they play a significant role in maintaining skeletal structure and suggest that a deeper understanding of these ligaments is vital for preventing and treating injuries.
Research Methodology
- The researchers conducted a biomechanical study on eight forelimbs of six thoroughbred horses that had died of unrelated causes.
- They simulated movement in the joint by displacing the horse’s radius backward while the midcarpal joint was in full extension.
- The displacement force at a joint displacement of 1.5mm was calculated from the load-displacement curve.
- They then repeated this procedure after sectioning a ligament or pair of ligaments, using the change in restraining force to determine the ligament’s role in preventing displacement.
- They also measured the cross-sectional areas of the ligaments at the level of the midcarpal joint.
Findings
- The study found that the collateral ligaments play a major role in restraining dorsal displacement, or movement toward the rear, in horses (P < .001).
- Of the joints tested, the smaller palmar intercarpal ligaments contributed more to restraining force than the palmar carpal ligament (P < .05).
- The average contribution to preventing dorsal displacement calculated was 62.8 +/- 3.4 for the collateral ligaments, 14.5 +/- 1.4 for the PCL, and 22.7 +/- 2.2 for the palmar intercarpal ligaments.
- The cross-sectional area of the ligaments as a percentage of the total ligamentous area was 9.0 +/- 0.3 for the palmar intercarpal ligaments, 27.1 +/- 3.0 for the PCL, and 63.8 +/- 2.8 for the collateral ligaments.
Conclusion
- Despite their small size, palmar intercarpal ligaments have a crucial role in preventing the dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones in horses.
- Understanding the biophysical role and contribution of these ligaments is necessary for interpreting the cause and extent of potential ligamentous injuries, as well as for the development and administration of effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Whitton RC, Rose RJ.
(1997).
The intercarpal ligaments of the equine midcarpal joint, Part 2: The role of the palmar intercarpal ligaments in the restraint of dorsal displacement of the proximal row of carpal bones.
Vet Surg, 26(5), 367-373.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950x.1997.tb01695.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Carpus, Animal / anatomy & histology
- Carpus, Animal / physiology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / physiology
- Ligaments / anatomy & histology
- Ligaments / physiology
- Weight-Bearing / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Oheida AH, Shalgum AA, Alrtib AM, Booker AO, Ben-Naser KM, Davies HMS. Variation in palmaromedial articulations of carpometacarpal joints in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses.. Open Vet J 2023 May;13(5):569-575.
- Parkes RSV, Pfau T, Weller R, Witte TH. The effect of curve running on distal limb kinematics in the Thoroughbred racehorse.. PLoS One 2020;15(12):e0244105.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
