Where Is The Digital Flexor On A Horse?

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 is the digital flexor tendon?

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 is the flexor tendon located on a horse?

Where are the tendons situated? The flexor tendons (deep digital flexor tendon, DDFT, and superficial digital flexor tendon, SDFT) run down the back of the leg from the level of the knee (or hock). The SDFT ends on the pastern, the DDFT ends on the lower surface of the pedal bone.

What is the digital flexor tendon in a horse?

The superficial digital flexor tendon is located in the fore and hind limbs and runs along the back of the cannon bones and connects the short pastern to the coffin bone (LLC, HorseDVM). The superficial digital flexor tendon is responsible for the stabilization and support of the fetlock joint.

Where does the superficial digital flexor insert on horse?

middle phalanx
It inserts on the middle phalanx, where it flexes the proximal and middle phalangeal joints, and stabilizes metacarpophalangeal (fetlock) joint. The SDFT arises from the superficial digital flexor muscle at the level of the carpus.

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.

Where does the superficial digital flexor tendon originate horse?

carpus
On equine thoracic limb, the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) arises from the superficial digital flexor muscle at the level of the carpus. Then the tendon combines with the accessory ligament (superior check ligament), passes distally on the caudal aspect through the carpal canal.

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

DDFT injuries can sideline horses for varying amounts of time. If your horse has a very mild strain, he may be back in work in six to eight weeks. For a tear, think months – it’s not uncommon for horses to be laid up eight months or more.

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.

How do you treat deep digital flexor tendons?

As with most soft tissue injuries, the mainstay of treatment for DDFT injuries is rest and rehabilitation. Long periods of rehabilitation are necessary, often of up to a year, consisting of rest followed by a slowly ascending exercise regime.

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.

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.

Can a flexor tendon heal without surgery?

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.

What causes deep digital flexor tendon injury?

Cause: uncertain in many cases but includes exercise, fatigue, degenerative changed with age, direct trauma +/- infection, pathology in other structures such as the digital sheath (DFTS) and carpal/tarsal sheaths is common and can have a direct affect on the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT).

How do you get rid of flexor tendon pain?

If the pain from your finger tendonitis is minor, resting it and icing it will likely allow it to heal within a couple weeks. If your pain is intense or does not get better with time, you should visit a doctor to determine if your injury requires physical therapy or surgery.

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

First, she said, know what to look for: Clinical signs of SDFT rupture include visible swelling over the back of the knee or cannon bone and a reluctance to straighten the knee. Sometimes the veterinarian can see or palpate a notch on the back of the limb, just below the carpus.

Where does the deep digital flexor tendon insert?

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).

What does the deep digital flexor muscle do?

Taylor also pointed out that the DDFT acts with the deep flexor muscle (DFM) to serve a number of functions, including: Flexing the coffin joint and aiding in flexing the carpus. Assisting in retracting the limb (the DDFT loads after the superficial flexor tendon).

Does a flexor tendon injury hurt?

The most profound symptom of Flexor Tendon Injuries is the inability to bend one or more of the joints of a finger. Pain may be more pronounced when the finger is bent. Tenderness, bruising, or swelling may be present on the palm side of the hand along the affected digit. In some cases the fingertip may go numb.

How do you know if your flexor tendon is torn?

The most common signs of a flexor tendon injury include: a cut or open injury on the palm side of your hand, often where the skin folds as the finger bends; inability to bend one or more joints of the finger; pain when the finger is bent; tenderness along the finger on the palm side of the hand; and numbness in the

How painful is tendon repair surgery?

Following the operation, your hand is likely to be bruised and swollen and, when the anaesthetic wears off, it’ll be painful. You may need to take painkillers, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or codeine, for up to 2 weeks.