Bursa podotrochlearis
The navicular bursa is a small synovial sac positioned between the flexor surface of the navicular bone and the deep digital flexor tendon in the caudal aspect of the foot. It cushions and lubricates the tendon as it glides over the fibrocartilage of the navicular bone during weight-bearing and movement. It is a critical part of the podotrochlear apparatus and helps reduce friction and compressive forces in the heel region.
The bursa is frequently involved in horses with caudal heel pain. Inflammation, effusion, or adhesions can contribute to lameness. Penetrating injuries to the sole or frog can infect the bursa (septic bursitis), which may spread to the navicular bone or coffin joint and is a surgical emergency. Diagnosis of bursal disease often requires advanced imaging (MRI) or surgical exploration (bursoscopy).
## 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
Any penetrating wound in the caudal third of the sole or frog needs immediate veterinary attention because of the risk of bursal infection. Chronic heel pain that does not respond to basic management should be evaluated for bursal involvement.
## 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
The bursa is frequently involved in horses with caudal heel pain. Inflammation, effusion, or adhesions can contribute to lameness. Penetrating injuries to the sole or frog can infect the bursa (septic bursitis), which may spread to the navicular bone or coffin joint and is a surgical emergency. Diagnosis of bursal disease often requires advanced imaging (MRI) or surgical exploration (bursoscopy).
Any penetrating wound in the caudal third of the sole or frog needs immediate veterinary attention because of the risk of bursal infection. Chronic heel pain that does not respond to basic management should be evaluated for bursal involvement.
See the Navicular Bursa on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model