Tendo m. flexoris digitorum superficialis
The superficial digital flexor muscle originates from the medial epicondyle of the humerus in the forelimb and from the supracondylar fossa of the distal femur in the hindlimb. The tendon runs down the palmar (forelimb) or plantar (hindlimb) aspect of the limb, superficial to the deep digital flexor tendon, and inserts primarily on the proximal and middle phalanges (P1 and P2). In the forelimb it receives an accessory ligament (superior check ligament) from the radius and forms a sleeve around the deep flexor tendon at the fetlock joint. Its actions are to flex the fetlock and pastern joints, provide primary fetlock support during stance, and act as part of the stay apparatus. In the hindlimb it is more tendinous, forms part of the common calcanean tendon, passes over the calcaneus, and functions as part of the reciprocal apparatus. It is innervated by the median and ulnar nerves in the forelimb and the tibial nerve in the hindlimb. Injuries are less common in the hindlimb than in the forelimb.
Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries are common in performance horses, especially in the mid-cannon region. Diagnosis uses clinical examination and ultrasound. Management is usually medical with rest and controlled rehabilitation. Injuries can alter limb biomechanics and indirectly affect loading of the foot. The accessory ligament can also be injured.
## Overview Sesamoiditis is chronic inflammation and remodeling of the proximal sesamoid bones from repetitive loading and suspensory ligament traction. It is common in young racehorses and sport hor
Sudden swelling or heat along the back of the cannon bone after work should be evaluated. Early diagnosis and appropriate rest improve outcomes. Protective boots can help reduce risk in some disciplines.
## Overview Sesamoiditis is chronic inflammation and remodeling of the proximal sesamoid bones from repetitive loading and suspensory ligament traction. It is common in young racehorses and sport horses. Signs include low-grade forelimb lameness, pain on palpation of the sesamoids, a positive flexion test, and enlarged, remodeled sesamoids on radiographs. ## Causes Repetitive strain at the suspensory insertion. ## Diagnosis Radiographs showing sesamoid changes, correlated with clinical signs. Ultrasound or scintigraphy may add information. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatories, and gradual return to work. Shock wave or regenerative therapies are sometimes used. Prognosis for high-level performance is often guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded for return to previous athletic level in many cases. ## Prevention Careful training of young horses and early management of suspensory soreness. Signs include: chronic low-grade forelimb lameness; pain on sesamoid palpation; positive flexion test; enlarged remodeled sesamoids on radiographs
Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries are common in performance horses, especially in the mid-cannon region. Diagnosis uses clinical examination and ultrasound. Management is usually medical with rest and controlled rehabilitation. Injuries can alter limb biomechanics and indirectly affect loading of the foot. The accessory ligament can also be injured.
Sudden swelling or heat along the back of the cannon bone after work should be evaluated. Early diagnosis and appropriate rest improve outcomes. Protective boots can help reduce risk in some disciplines.
See the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDFT) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model