What tendon commonly ruptures as a sequela of carpal flexural deformities in horses?

What tendon commonly ruptures as a sequela of carpal flexural deformities in horses?

• A. Common digital extensor tendon
• B. Lateral digital extensor tendon
• C. Flexor carpi ulnaris
• D. Deep digital flexor tendon

Answer: (A)

Carpal flexural deformities create abnormal, sustained tension on the extensor structures that would normally straighten the limb. The common digital extensor tendon runs along the dorsal aspect of the limb and is the primary tendon that extends the carpus and digits. When the carpus is chronically flexed, this tendon is subjected to excessive lengthening and tensile stress across the joint, which can lead to tearing and rupture over time. This rupture disrupts the extensor mechanism and is a known complication of severe flexural deformities. The other tendons listed are flexors or less likely to rupture from this deformity, so they don’t fit this sequela as well.

Carpal flexural deformities create abnormal, sustained tension on the extensor structures that would normally straighten the limb. The common digital extensor tendon runs along the dorsal aspect of the limb and is the primary tendon that extends the carpus and digits. When the carpus is chronically flexed, this tendon is subjected to excessive lengthening and tensile stress across the joint, which can lead to tearing and rupture over time. This rupture disrupts the extensor mechanism and is a known complication of severe flexural deformities. The other tendons listed are flexors or less likely to rupture from this deformity, so they don’t fit this sequela as well.