Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (deep + digital_flexor_tendon)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Size isn't everything: The importance of the hindlimb accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon

EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 12 2008
R. K. W. Smith
No abstract is available for this article. [source]


Collateral desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint in conjunction with concurrent ossification of the cartilages of the foot in nine horses

EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 9 2008
T. S. Mair
Summary The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of occurrence of severe ossification of the collateral cartilages (sidebone) coexistent with collateral desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) in lame horses. Sidebone was diagnosed and graded on standard radiographs and soft tissue injuries of the foot were diagnosed using standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of 15 horses with forelimb lameness and severe sidebone, 9 had evidence of concurrent collateral desmitis of the DIPJ. All 15 horses had damage to other structures (including the deep digital flexor tendon, distal sesamoidean impar ligament, collateral sesamoidean ligament, navicular bone and distal phalanx) within the affected feet as identified on MRI. The clinical and pathophysiological significance of concurrent collateral desmitis of the DIPJ and sidebone is currently uncertain. However, this study shows that injuries to multiple structures within the foot are common and that collateral desmitis of the distal interphalangeal joint is frequently seen in lame horses in conjunction with severe ossification of the collateral cartilages. [source]


Injection of the insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon in horses using radiographic guidance

EQUINE VETERINARY EDUCATION, Issue 7 2008
J. D. C. Anderson
Summary Insertional tendinopathies of the DDFT have been reported both as the sole lesion and as part of a multifocal lesion (Dyson et al. 2003). Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging allow specific diagnosis of deep digital flexor tendon lesions within the hoof capsule; however, direct intralesional treatment of such lesions is difficult because of the hoof's rigid structure. A technique designed to mimic intralesional injection of insertional tendinopathies of the DDFT in the standing horse using radiographic guidance was assessed. Radiographic and contrast CT imaging and sectioning of the limbs confirmed accurate injection in all cases although inadvertant administration of injectate into adjacent structures was also evident. [source]


Influence of the position of the foot on MRI signal in the deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in the standing horse

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2009
M. SPRIET
Summary Reasons for performing study: Hyperintense signal is sometimes observed in ligaments and tendons of the equine foot on standing magnetic resonance examination without associated changes in size and shape. In such cases, the presence of a true lesion or an artifact should be considered. A change in position of a ligament or tendon relative to the magnetic field can induce increased signal intensity due to the magic angle effect. Objectives: To assess if positional rotation of the foot in the solar plane could be responsible for artifactual changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint and in the deep digital flexor tendon. Methods: Six isolated equine feet were imaged with a standing equine magnetic resonance system in 9 different positions with different degrees of rotation in the solar plane. Results: Rotation of the limb induced a linear hyperintense signal on all feet at the palmar aspect of one of the lobes of the deep digital flexor tendon and at the dorsal aspect of the other lobe. Changes in signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred with rotation of the limb only in those feet where mediolateral hoof imbalance was present. Conclusions: The position and conformation of the foot influence the signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint. Potential relevance: The significance of increased signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint should be interpreted with regard to the position and the conformation of the foot. [source]


Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of 264 horses with foot pain: The podotrochlear apparatus, deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2007
S. DYSON
Summary Reasons for performing study: To improve understanding of the interrelationships between injuries of the podotrochlear apparatus and deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Hypotheses: There is a difference in frequency of different types of lesions at different anatomical sites of the DDFT. Lesions of the collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL), distal sesamoidean impar ligament (DSIL), distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and navicular bursa are seen in association with lesions of the navicular bone. Methods: The magnetic resonance (MR) images of 264 horses with unilateral or bilateral foot pain were analysed and graded. Descriptive statistics were performed to establish the frequency of occurrence of DDFT lesion types at different anatomical levels, and lesions of the CSL, DSIL, navicular bursa, DIP joint and collateral ligaments (CLs) of the DIP joint. A Chi-square test was used to test for a difference in the proportion of navicular bone grades between limbs with and without DDFT lesions at each level, and to compare navicular bone grades for limbs with and without each of DSIL, CSL, navicular bursa or DIP joint lesions. Results: Lesions of the DDFT occurred in 82.6% of limbs, occurring most commonly at the level of the CSL (59.4%) and the navicular bone (59.0%). Core lesions predominated at the level of the proximal phalanx (90.3%), whereas at the level of the CSL and navicular bone core lesions, sagittal splits and dorsal abrasions were most common. There was a positive association between DDFT lesions and navicular bone pathology involving all aspects of the bone. Lesions of the DSIL (38.2% limbs) were more common than those of the CSL (10.5%), but the presence of either was associated with abnormalities of the navicular bone, especially involving the proximal or distal borders and the medulla. Conclusions and clinical relevance: There are close interactions between injuries of the components of the podotrochlear apparatus, the DDFT, the navicular bursa and the DIP joint. Further knowledge about the biomechanical risk factors for injury may have importance for both disease prevention and management. [source]


Association of type of sport and performance level with anatomical site of orthopaedic injury diagnosis

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue S36 2006
R. C. MURRAY
Summary Reason for performing study: Although anecdotal reports of increased orthopaedic injury risk in equine sports exist, there is little scientific evidence to support this. Objectives: To test whether horses undertaking a single competitive sport have increased risk of specific injuries compared to those used for general purpose riding (GP); and whether injury type varies with sport category and performance level. Methods: Data from 1069 records of horses undergoing orthopaedic evaluation (1998,2003) and meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Sport category (GP, showjumping, dressage, eventing, racing), level (nonelite or elite) and diagnosis were recorded. Effects of sport category and level on probability of a specific diagnosis were assessed using chisquared tests. Logistic regression was used to determine which competitive sports and levels increased risk of injury compared with GP. Results: Overall there was a significant effect of sport category and level on diagnosis (P<0.0001). There was significant difference between anatomical site injured and sport category (P<0.0001); a high risk of forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon injury in elite eventing (P<0.0001) and elite showjumping (P=0.02); distal deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injury in elite showjumping (P=0.002); and hindlimb suspensory ligament injury in elite (P<0.0001) and nonelite (P=0.001) dressage. There was a low risk of tarsal injury in elite eventing (P=0.01) and proximal DDFT injury in dressage (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Horses competing in different sports are predisposed to specific injuries; particular sports may increase the risk of injury at certain anatomical sites; and the type and site of injury may reflect the type and level of performance. Potential relevance: These findings could guide clinicians in the diagnosis of sport related injuries. [source]


Two clinical manifestations of desmopathy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon in the hindlimb of 23 horses

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2005
E. ELIASHAR
Summary Reasons for performing study: Desmopathy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) in the hindlimb is an unusual cause of lameness in horses, and reports of the condition are sparse. Objectives: To describe the clinical and ultrasonographic findings, therapy and outcome of 23 horses treated for desmopathy of the ALDDFT in the hindlimb. Methods: Records of 23 horses with ultrasonographic evidence of desmopathy of the ALDDFT in one or both hindlimbs from 3 referral centres were reviewed retrospectively. Age, breed, sex, duration and nature of clinical signs, results of clinical and lameness examinations, treatment and outcome were recorded. Results: In 13 horses (Group A), there was an acute onset of unilateral lameness. Ten horses (Group B) had an insidious or sudden onset of postural abnormality. There were 10 cobs, 5 British native-breed ponies and 8 horses of various larger breeds. Twenty horses were used for general purposes, and mean age was 12 years. Enlargement of the ALDDFT in the affected hindlimb(s) was identified in all horses. In 44% of horses, ultrasonographic abnormalities were localised to part of the ALDDFT. Treatment included box-rest and controlled exercise, and 10 horses were subjected to desmotomy or desmectomy of the ALDDFT. Seventy-three percent of horses in Group A returned to full function, while 90% of those in Group B remained lame. Conclusions: Two distinct clinical conditions are associated with the ALDDFT of the hindlimb. Traumatically induced injury resulting in acute onset lameness appears to have a favourable prognosis, with most horses returning to previous work. However, postural changes, once present, are irreversible and indicate a poor prognosis. Potential relevance: Desmopathy of the ALDDFT should be recognised as a potential cause of hindlimb lameness and this study provides clinical and prognostic information. Knuckling and/or semiflexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint may accompany the condition; therefore, if a horse is presented with a flexural deformity of this joint, desmopathy of the ALDDFT should be considered as a primary differential diagnosis. [source]


Influence of interleukin-1, and hyaluronan on proteoglycan release from equine navicular hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2000
Frean
Proteoglycan (PG) release, in response to recombinant human interleukin-1, (rh-IL-1,), was measured in cartilage explants obtained from the equine distal sesamoid bone (navicular bone). Fibrocartilage from the surface of the navicular bone apposing the deep digital flexor tendon and hyaline cartilage from the surface of the navicular bone articulating with the middle phalanx were labelled with 35SO4. Hyaline cartilage from the distal metacarpus was used as a control tissue. Following radiolabel incorporation, the three cartilage types were treated with rh-IL-1, (100 U/mL) in the presence of hyaluronan (0.2, 2, 20, 200 and 2000 ,g/mL). rh-IL-1,-Induced PG release was measured by scintillation assay of PG-bound radiolabel. Increases in PG release of 94% (P < 0.01), 101% (P < 0.05) and 122% (P < 0.05), in response to rh-IL-1,, were noted in fibrocartilage, navicular hyaline cartilage and metacarpal hyaline cartilage, respectively. Hyaluronan (0.2 ,g/mL) significantly reduced rh-IL-1,-induced PG release in metacarpal hyaline cartilage (P < 0.01). In fibrocartilage and navicular hyaline cartilage, hyaluronan did not reduce PG release and at some concentrations appeared to increase PG release, although this was not statistically significant. These experiments show that (i) fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage of the navicular bone release PGs in response to rh-IL-1,, and (ii) hyaluronan does not prevent rh-IL-1,-induced breakdown of navicular bone cartilage. [source]


Ultrasonographic Morphometric Measurements of Digital Flexor Tendons and Ligaments of the Palmar Metacarpal Region in Haflinger Horses

ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 4 2010
S. Boehart
With 2 figures and 3 tables Summary The aim of the study was to determine morphometric values of the superficial and deep digital flexor tendon, the inferior check ligament and the suspensory ligament in the palmar metacarpal region of sound Haflinger horses using ultrasonography and to assess the influence of different factors on them. The findings were compared with the literature. A total of 30 sound Haflinger mares aged 4,20 years were used. Transverse ultrasound images were obtained with an 8,10 linear MHz transducer and the cross-sectional area, the circumference and the dorsopalmar and lateromedial width were determined for each structure at six regions of interest (ROI) in both forelimbs. The coefficient of variation was <3%. The structures were compared between each other and the values of each structure at the ROIs. Age, height at the withers, body mass index, diameter of the Os metacarpale III and the circumference of the mid-metacarpal region showed significant influences on some of the parameters. Reference values for the tendons and ligaments in the palmar metacarpal region in sound Haflinger mares were obtained and the influence of different factors was tested. Description of the dimensional relationship between the structures and comparison of the data with the literature provide knowledge required for adequate veterinary care. [source]