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Do regional variations in flexor tendons predispose to site-specific injuries?
H L Birch1, T J Smith, C Poulton
1Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK.
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement
|October 31, 2002
Summary
The mid-metacarpal region of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in horses has a smaller cross-sectional area but similar collagen content. This suggests other factors, not size, may cause SDFT injuries.
Area of Science:
- Equine orthopedics
- Tendon biomechanics
- Veterinary sports medicine
Background:
- Partial rupture of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) commonly occurs at the mid-metacarpal level in horses.
- The hypothesis posits that this region's smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) and comparable collagen content make it a biomechanical weak point.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biomechanical properties of the equine SDFT at various anatomical levels.
- To determine if the mid-metacarpal region of the SDFT is a weak point due to its CSA and collagen content.
Main Methods:
- SDFT samples were collected from 9 horses' forelimbs.
- Tendons were sectioned at 7 levels from the accessory ligament origin to the phalangeal region.
- Cross-sectional area (CSA), water content, and collagen content were measured at each level.
Main Results:
- The mid-metacarpal region exhibited a significantly smaller CSA compared to proximal and distal sections.
- This region also showed a higher dry matter content than proximal sections.
- Collagen content in the mid-metacarpal region was not significantly lower than other regions, except for the most distal sections.
Conclusions:
- The mid-metacarpal region of the SDFT, despite its smaller CSA, is not significantly weaker than proximal regions or the manica flexoria.
- Factors such as hypoxia and/or hyperthermia may be more critical in causing site-specific SDFT lesions.