Clear Equine Distal Limb AnatomyTendons and Ligaments Between the Knee and Fetlock
There are only three bones in this area. The two splint bones (2) are on either side of the cannon bone (1).
The suspensory ligament attaches behind the knee between the splint bones (3).
I have outlined the sesamoid bones at the fetlock. The splits are running down the cannon bone and up near the knee. The suspensory ligament usually runs down the channel created by the splints. I have separated the structures for visual clarity.
1. Superficial Flexor Tendon 2. Deep Digital Flexor Tendon 3. Check Ligament 4. Suspensory Ligament 5. Lateral Extensor Tendon With practice, the different tendons and ligaments can be palpated. Palpation can be a very useful tool to identify regions of pain in the lower leg. I have stripped away the fascia (connective tissue), so the distinct tendons are ligaments are easy to see, but normally they are bundled together. Here is a really good video showing the tendons and ligaments.
I like showing things many different ways so that your mind can piece it all together.
1. Superficial Flexor Tendon 2. Deep Digital Flexor Tendon 3. Check Ligament 4. Suspensory Ligament
attaches the suspensory ligament (4) to the deep digital flexor tendon (2)
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