Where Does The Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Insert In The Horse?

The DDF tendon courses behind the carpus, down along the back (palmar aspect) of the cannon bone, around the back of the fetlock, around the navicular bone in the back of the foot, and inserts on the underside of the third phalanx (P3).

Where is the deep digital flexor tendon in the horse?

The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) extends from behind the knee and hock, down the back of the cannon, behind the fetlock and pastern joints and ultimately attaches to the underside of the pedal bone within the hoof capsule.

Where does the superficial digital flexor tendon insertion horse?

The SDFT divides into two branches at the distal end of the proximal phalanx. The branches insert on the lateral and medial eminences of the middle phalanx, a minority of fibres also insert on the lateral aspect of the proximal phalanx.

What does the deep digital flexor tendon connect?

The deep digital flexor tendon runs down the back of the leg and behind the heel to attach to the bottom of the coffin bone (the bone that underlies the hoof wall at the front).

Where are the digital flexor muscles located?

Flexor digitorum profundus is a fusiform muscle located deep within the anterior (flexor) compartment of the forearm. Along with the flexor pollicis longus and pronator quadratus muscles, it comprises the deep flexor compartment of the forearm.

What is in the digital flexor tendon sheath horse?

Digital flexor tendon sheath anatomy
This thin-walled, synovial structure contains the superficial (SDFT) and deep digital (DDFT) flexor tendons as they pass around the palmar/plantar aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint (in the interest of ease, hereafter termed palmar but information also applies to the hindlimb).

What is a deep digital flexor tendon injury?

Most DDFT injuries affect the forelimb and cause lameness, which is usually variable, unilateral and persistent. Traumatic injuries are also quite common and usually occur in the pastern region where the back of the leg comes close to the ground when bearing full weight at speed.

What is the insertion point of a tendon?

The point where the muscle pierces in the tendon is called muscle-tendon junction, while the point where the tendon inserts on the bone is called osteo-tendinous junction.

What are 2 clinical signs of a tear in the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses?

Rupture of the SDFT should be considered in older horses showing signs of acute severe pain and lameness with swelling of the palmar (on the back of the front leg) carpus and/or metacarpus (cannon bone).

Should you bandage a tendon injury horse?

There is no evidence within the literature to support that any type of bandaging enhances tendon healing during the resting period following a tendon injury. However, bandaging (cast bandage) has a significant effect limiting lesion propagation during the initial inflammatory phase in SDF tendinopathies.

What is digital flexor tendon repair?

A small incision is made to locate the ends of the tendon and they are then stitched back together. Flexor tendons are often difficult to get to and are located near important nerves so repair will generally occur under a general anaesthetic.

How long does it take for a tendon sheath to heal on a horse?

Most tendon injuries require at least 3 months of restricted exercise (e.g., walking in hand or on a horse walker). Repeat tendon scans are invaluable for assessing healing before exercise levels are increased.

Which tendon is most commonly injured in horses?

Most tendons are relatively short and are rarely damaged. However, the long tendons of the limbs are vulnerable to damage during exercise or as a result of trauma. The flexor tendons are the most important long tendon structures prone to injury.

What is the most common tendon injury in a horse?

Tendon injury is one of the most common causes of wastage in the performance horse; the majority of tendon injuries occur to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) whereas few occur to the common digital extensor tendon.

What happens if a torn flexor tendon is not repaired?

If your flexor tendons are damaged, you’ll be unable to bend one or more fingers. Tendon damage can also cause pain and inflammation (swelling) in your hand. In some cases, damage to the extensor tendons can be treated without the need for surgery, using a rigid support called a splint that’s worn around the hand.

How soon does a flexor tendon need to be repaired?

We conclude that the optimal timing for tendon repair is at the primary stage. Delayed tendon repair can be performed within 3 weeks to one month after injury, but the repair is preferably done in initial several days of delay. Direct sheath closure is not advocated in tendon repair in the delayed period.

How long does it take for a flexor tendon to heal?

A flexor tendon takes approximately 3 to 4 months to heal before your hand is strong enough to use without restrictions. usually you will be required to wear a protective splint for approximately 6 o 8 weeks after surgery, removing it only to do exercise prescribed by your doctor and therapist.

What’s the difference between origin and insertion?

Origin is relatively the less movable end of the muscle/tendon that is attached to a bone. Insertion is the more flexible end of the muscle that is usually attached to a bone via tendons. It is the proximal end that is attached to the less movable bone.

How do you find the origin and insertion?

A skeletal muscle attaches to bone (or sometimes other muscles or tissues) at two or more places. If the place is a bone that remains immobile for an action, the attachment is called an origin. If the place is on the bone that moves during the action, the attachment is called an insertion.

Where is the tendinous insertion?

The rectus abdominis muscle is crossed by three fibrous bands called the tendinous intersections or tendinous inscriptions. One is usually situated at the level of the umbilicus, one at the extremity of the xiphoid process, and the third about midway between the two.

How long should a horse be on box rest with tendon injury?

In certain cases, an initial period of total box rest is advised. Horses are often out of work for six to 12 months with tendon injuries, depending on the extent of the damage.