lowered, and a toe or toe wedge added to encourage weight bearing on the heels. In severe cases or cases that don’t respond to the above treatment, surgery is recommended.
Prognosis for mild to moderate cases is very good for athletic return. More severe or long- standing cases have a less promising future especially if SDFt was cut.
Ligament Sprain
A sprain involves the inflammation and tearing of ligamentous fibres. common term used to denote inflammation of a ligament.
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Trauma is the most common cause of sprains. Trauma can be acute/direct or repetitive/chronic. Weak or unstable joints may also lead to sprains but may also be the result of a sprain. Due to the less elastic nature of ligaments, any forced movement beyond the joints normal range of motion can overload the collagen fibers causing stretching or tearing of a ligament(s). The ligaments bony insertions and/or the joint capsule may also be involved leading to an fracture and partial or complete luxation of the joint. Any type of abnormal movement of a joint can lead to the weakening of a ligament. If a horse is compensating due to pain, they alter their movement which puts abnormal stress on the affected joints. Specific predispositions will be discussed according to the specific ligament.
Like muscle strains, sprains can be categorized based on the amount of fibres torn.
MILD
MODERATE
SEVERE
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In general, the signs & symptoms in the acute stage include sharp, aching pain immediately upon injury, pain on palpation & movement, decreased ROM of affected joint, varying lameness, joint instability, local inflammation and swelling and possible bruising or muscle spasms. If an avulsion fracture has occurred the horse may be non-weight bearing and in extreme pain due to the tearing of the periosteum away from the bone. Similarly, if a partial or complete luxation has occurred, the joint may appear in an unusual position resulting in pain or discomfort and inability to weight bear. Chronically we see stiff/weak joints with edema or low-grade inflammation, thickening, adhesions or fibrosis of both the ligament and joint capsule and possible enthesiophyte formation.
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