Comprehensive management of equine orthopedic disease depends on detailed knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and the wide range of conditions affecting the equine patient.
A fibro-osseous tunnel located on the palmar aspect of the equine carpus that contains the carpal sheath, superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, associated check ligament structures, and the median neurovascular bundle. Disorders of this region include carpal canal syndrome,...
A complex, multi-articulation joint located between the radius and metacarpus that functions in weight-bearing, shock absorption, and locomotion. Disorders of the carpus include osteochondral injury, synovitis, fractures, subchondral bone disease, and osteoarthritis.
A low-motion joint located entirely within the hoof capsule, formed by the articulation of the middle phalanx (P2), distal phalanx (P3 or coffin bone), and navicular bone. Disorders of the coffin joint and associated structures include osteoarthritis, navicular disease, collateral...
A synovial structure surrounding the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons from the distal metacarpus/metatarsus to the pastern region, facilitating tendon gliding and efficient limb function. Disorders of the sheath include tenosynovitis, deep digital flexor tendon lesions, manica flexoria tears,...
A high-motion, load-bearing joint located between the cannon bone and proximal phalanx that plays a critical role in shock absorption, energy storage, and locomotion. Subjected to substantial forces during athletic activity, the fetlock is commonly affected by osteoarthritis, osteochondral injury,...
A synovial structure located between the deep digital flexor tendon and the flexor surface of the navicular bone within the hoof capsule. Disorders of the navicular bursa, including bursitis, adhesions, and deep digital flexor tendon lesions, are important causes of...
A complex, multiregional structure composed of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae that plays a critical role in movement, force transmission, and athletic performance. Disorders of the equine spine, including overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines), cervical articular...
A large, complex joint composed of the femoropatellar and femorotibial articulations that plays a critical role in weight-bearing, propulsion, and athletic performance. The stifle is commonly affected by osteochondrosis, meniscal injury, ligament pathology, subchondral bone disease, and osteoarthritis.
A complex, multi-articulation joint composed of the tibia, talus, calcaneus, and tarsal bones that is subjected to substantial biomechanical stress during athletic activity. The tarsus is commonly affected by osteoarthritis, osteochondral disease, subchondral bone injury, and fractures, making it a...
