Ligament

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Sesamoiditis is a common radiological finding in yearling Thoroughbreds. The condition is believed to be associated with suspensory ligament branch injury (SLBI), which is known to affect racing performance. The presence of subclinical suspensory ligament branch change (SSLBC) in untrained yearlings has not been investigated. Associations between sesamoiditis, SSLBC and subsequent SLBI would allow more accurate prognoses to be made regarding the development of SLBI. They could also provide opportunity for intervention and prevention of SLBI.

Category: Equine - Imaging - Lameness - Ligament

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Medial patellar ligament splitting (MPLS) has been shown to be a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for upward fixation of the patella (UFP) in horses. However, long-term follow-up results of this procedure have not previously been reported.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term resolution of UFP following MPLS and provide information on complications and recurrence.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

Category: Equine - Ligament

The objective of this study was to evaluate relative echogenicity of superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and interosseous muscle of the metacarpal region in foals ages 1 week to 4 months; and assess the association between echogenicity and sex or side/laterality.

Seven Standardbred trotter foals were examined. Right and left metacarpal regions (palmar surface) were ultrasonographically investigated, and four regions of interest were assessed.

Category: Equine - Imaging - Ligament

OBJECTIVE: To compare intra and postoperative clinical features of desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (ALSDFT) using the Saber radiofrequency (SaberRF) electrosurgical probe versus sharp transection with a tenotomy knife.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, blocked (horse) design.

ANIMALS: Adult horses (n = 6).

Previous descriptions of the clinical features of navicular disease occurred before the widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed a more definitive diagnosis of foot pain. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical features of horses with lesions of the podotrochlear apparatus with those with other causes of foot pain. It was hypothesised that primary navicular bone disease would be associated with more advanced radiological findings than other diagnoses.

Authors: Friederike Pohlin, DVM; Johannes Edinger, DVM; Florien Jenner, DVM, PhD; Monika Egerbacher, DVM, PhD
Journal: American Journal of Veterinary Research

Objective—To describe the anatomic and histologic features of the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in cadaveric limbs obtained from nonlame horses and to compare the histologic findings with the ultrasonographic appearance of the CLs.

Sample—Medial and lateral CLs of the MCP and MTP joints of 28 limbs (16 forelimbs and 12 hind limbs) from 9 adult nonlame horses euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study.

Authors: S. Dyson
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education

The accessory ligament of the hindlimb suspensory ligament arises from the plantar aspect of the calcaneus and fourth tarsal bones and blends with the suspensory ligament in the proximal aspect of the metatarsus. The accessory ligament of the suspensory ligament of both hindlimbs of 12 mature horses, with no history of hindlimb lameness, was assessed ultrasonographically. The ligament comprised linear parallel echoes which were consistently shorter than those of the lateral digital flexor tendon; the dorsal and plantar borders were parallel.

Authors: S. Plevin and J. McLellan
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal

Summary

Reasons for performing the study

Limited information exists regarding the prognosis for juvenile racehorses sustaining injury to the suspensory ligament branch insertion (JISBI).

Objectives

To investigate the effect of JISBI on racing performance; and to assess whether the severity of JISBI is prognostically important.

Category: Bone - Equine - Ligament
Authors: J. McLellan and S. Plevin
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal

Summary

Reasons for performing study

Sesamoiditis is believed to be associated with injury to the suspensory branch attachment and is a common radiographic finding in yearling Thoroughbreds. No study has investigated relationships between yearling sesamoiditis and subsequent development of suspensory ligament branch injury (SLBI) in early racehorse training.

Category: Bone - Equine - Ligament