Ligamenta sesamoidea collateralia
The collateral (suspensory) ligaments of the navicular bone originate from the distal middle phalanx (P2) and insert on the proximal and abaxial aspects of the navicular bone. Together with the distal sesamoidean impar ligament they form the suspensory apparatus of the navicular bone, keeping it properly positioned relative to P2 and P3 and limiting excessive movement. Desmitis, degeneration, or enthesopathy of these ligaments is frequently identified on MRI in horses diagnosed with navicular syndrome / podotrochlear disease. Damage can contribute to instability and pain in the heel region. They work in concert with the impar ligament, navicular bursa, and deep digital flexor tendon.
Best evaluated with MRI. Ultrasound can sometimes image the proximal portions. Treatment is usually part of the overall management of podotrochlear disease (rest, shoeing, medication, regenerative therapies). Isolated severe tears are less common than chronic degenerative change.
## Overview Coffin joint disease refers to osteoarthritis or other pathology of the distal interphalangeal joint. It is a common cause of foot lameness in performance horses. Signs range from mild sh
## Overview Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) tendinopathy encompasses degenerative or traumatic injury to the tendon, most commonly where it courses over the navicular bone or in the pastern. It pro
Heel pain that does not fully resolve with standard treatments may involve these ligaments; advanced imaging is often needed for a complete diagnosis. Follow your veterinarian’s rehabilitation plan carefully.
## Overview Coffin joint disease refers to osteoarthritis or other pathology of the distal interphalangeal joint. It is a common cause of foot lameness in performance horses. Signs range from mild shortened stride and poor performance to marked lameness. Forelimbs are more often affected than hindlimbs. ## Causes Repetitive concussion, conformational faults, prior trauma, or developmental joint disease. Navicular bone changes frequently coexist. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, distal limb flexion, and diagnostic analgesia. Radiographs show osteophytes, joint-space narrowing, or enthesophytes. Advanced imaging further characterizes cartilage and subchondral bone. ## Treatment Intra-articular corticosteroids, biologics, or viscosupplements; systemic anti-inflammatories; corrective shoeing; and workload modification. Prognosis is guarded to fair depending on severity. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses remain useful with management. Advanced disease limits athletic longevity. ## Prevention Balanced shoeing, appropriate footing, and early treatment of foot imbalances. Signs include: foot lameness; shortened stride; positive distal limb flexion; occasional coffin joint effusion; poor performance
## Overview Deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) tendinopathy encompasses degenerative or traumatic injury to the tendon, most commonly where it courses over the navicular bone or in the pastern. It produces chronic or intermittent forelimb lameness and is a major component of podotrochlear syndrome. ## Causes Repetitive strain, navicular bone interaction, and age-related degeneration. Acute overload can initiate or worsen lesions. ## Diagnosis Lameness examination, nerve blocks, and imaging. Ultrasound evaluates the pastern region; MRI is useful for assessing lesions within the hoof; CT can also identify some DDFT lesions. ## Treatment Rest, controlled rehabilitation, shoeing changes, anti-inflammatories, and regenerative or surgical therapies in selected cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable. Mild lesions often improve; severe or chronic tendinopathy limits long-term athletic use. ## Prevention Appropriate conditioning and early attention to foot pain. Signs include: chronic or intermittent forelimb lameness; positive palmar digital nerve block; shortened stride; pointing; worse on hard surfaces or circles
Best evaluated with MRI. Ultrasound can sometimes image the proximal portions. Treatment is usually part of the overall management of podotrochlear disease (rest, shoeing, medication, regenerative therapies). Isolated severe tears are less common than chronic degenerative change.
Heel pain that does not fully resolve with standard treatments may involve these ligaments; advanced imaging is often needed for a complete diagnosis. Follow your veterinarian’s rehabilitation plan carefully.
See the Collateral Sesamoidean Ligament on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model