The tarsus Flashcards
The tarsus is also know as?
The hock
Is the hock a common site of pathology?
Yes
Which bones make up the tarsus
Tibia proximal, then talus
Central tarsal bone
3rd tarsal bone - Either side of it is the 4th tarsal bone and the fused 1st and 2nd tarsal bones
Distally = 3rd metatarsal bones + splint bones
On the plantar aspect is the calcaneus
Describe the joints in the tarsus
Tibia proximal, then talus – between them is the tarsocrural joint
Talocalcaneal joint on the plantar aspect
Proximal intertarsal joint
Distal intertarsal joint
Tarsometatarsal joint
Describe the tarsocrural joint in terms of motion
Large, high motion joint – where most of the flexion and extension of the tarsus comes from
Which tarsal bone is involved in the majority of weightbearing?
3rd tarsal bone
Which tissues articular with the calcaneus
Gastrocnemius muscle and SDFT
Describe communication between the tarsal joints
Proximal intertarsal joint – always communicates with the tarsocrural joint
Tarsometatarsal joint – communicates with the distal intertarsal joint in about 40% of cases
Name the tendons and ligaments found on the dorsal aspect of the tarsus
- 2 main extensors – tibialis cranialis and peroneus tertius
- Also long extensor tendon – extends down to the pedal bone
- Either side of the tarsus and short (deep) and long (superficial) collateral ligaments
Name the tendons and ligaments found on the plantar aspect of the tarsus
Deep digital flexor tendon
Superficial flexor tendon
Tarsal sheaths
Which structure inserts on the calcaneus?
Gastrocnemius muscle
Where does the SDFT lie?
SDFT and its muscle lies over the top of the gastrocnemius, runs over the top of the calcaneus (held in place by a band of tissue)
Where does the DDFT lie?
Deeper is the DDFT – runs over the sustentaculum tali= horizontal shelf that arises from the anteromedial portion of thecalcaneus
Name the 3 calcaneal bursa - from superficial to deep
(Acquired) superficial bursae
Intertendinous bursa
Gastrocnemius bursa
Describe the main features of the (Acquired) superficial bursae
Between SDFT and skin
“Capped” hock – due to fluid
Occurs right on the point of the hock
Describe the main features of the intertendinous bursa
- Between gastrocnemius and SDFT extending distally
- Communicates with gastrocnemius bursa
- Occurs slightly laterally on the point of the hock
Describe the main features of the gastrocnemius bursa
Deep between gastrocnemius tendon and tuber calcis
Describe the distribution of Osteochondritis Dissecans in the tarsus
- Mostly: Distal intermediate ridge of the tibia (“DIRT” lesions)
- Lateral trochlear ridge
- (Medial malleolus)
What are the clinical signs of Osteochondritis Dissecans in the tarsus
Usually young horse (6mo-3yr):
- As it is a developmental condition
- Often found on screening radiographs
Effusion of the tarsocrural joint
(Lameness)
Check other limb/joints!
Describe how Osteochondritis Dissecans in the tarsus appears on radiography
Radiolucent osseous fragment located at the level of the distal intermediate ridge of the tibia = OCD DIRT lesion
Also small radiopaque osseous fragments associated with a larger radiolucent defect on the lateral trochlear ridge
How is Osteochondritis Dissecans in the tarsus treated?
Arthroscopy treatment to remove fragments
How old must a horse be to have Arthroscopy treatment for Osteochondritis Dissecans in the tarsus? Why?
Usually wait until 11 months+
As some subtle fragments may reattach and some may not have formed yet