Passiv mechanisms for stabilisation of the coffin joint in horses

Passive Haltestrukturen am Hufgelenk des Pferdes

Schoenberg A, Probst A, Macher R, Polsterer E, Budras K-D, Böck P, König H E

DOI: 10.21836/PEM20050304
Year: 2005
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Pages: 212-216

Specimens of 17 equine front toes, showing no pathologies at all, were examined. Four of these were cut into 2.5 mm thick, sagittal slices and plastinated with the E 12 method. From additional four specimens probes for microscopical examination were sampled. For the purpose of scientific illustrations from eight toes macroscopic-anatomic specimens were prepared. In one specimen a load test was undertaken. The histological slices were colored for routine checkup. The insertion of the collateral sesamoid ligament along the proximal margin of the navicular bone palmar was covered with fibrocartilage. The sesamoid distal impar ligament originated along the distal margin of the navicular bone. Its osteodesmal transition contains an area of fibrocartilage. The collateral sesamoid ligament in connection with the sesamoid distal impar ligament has the function of a hammock, which supports the podotrochlear apparatus and completes the suspensory apparatus of the coffin bone.