Suspensory Ligament Injuries: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation

Abstract

This paper aims to present the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of suspensory ligament injuries in horses. Suspensory ligament damage is a major cause of lameness in sports horses. The suspensory ligament is a very strong anatomical structure – an average force of 1338 kg is needed to damage the suspensory apparatus. The diagnosis of lameness is complex, starting with anorthopedic examination and ending with imaging diagnostics. Treatment of damage to the suspensory ligament depends on the phase of tendon healing. Controlled exercise programmes with ultrasound monitoring are the gold standard for horses to return to the pre-injury level of activity.