In vitro evaluation of nonrigid support systems for the equine metacarpophalangeal joint.
Authors: Smith R K W, McGuigan M P, Hyde J T, Daly A S G, Pardoe C H, Lock A N, Wilson A M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Evaluating External Support for the Equine Fetlock Joint The digital flexor tendons and suspensory ligament are critical structures that resist fetlock (MCP) joint extension during loading, yet clinicians have limited evidence about which support systems actually work. Smith and colleagues subjected seven equine forelimbs to controlled loading tests in vitro to quantify the mechanical effectiveness of five different support options: a simple gamgee bandage, a three-layered support bandage (with and without a contoured palmar splint), a neoprene exercise boot, and an innovative carbon fibre composite boot designed specifically for tendon support. The gamgee and neoprene boots provided negligible resistance to fetlock extension, whereas the three-layered bandage began to provide meaningful support only at very high extension angles (≥245°), with the contoured splint improving this threshold to ≥230°. The carbon fibre boot demonstrated superior performance, offering significant support from ≥245° in standard settings and ≥225° at maximum tension—a clinically meaningful improvement that better protects tissues during the loading phases of exercise. For practitioners managing tendon and ligament injuries or rehabilitating horses returning to work, these findings suggest that basic support boots and simple bandaging have limited protective value, whilst properly applied three-layered bandages with splints and purpose-designed rigid support boots provide measurable mechanical advantage when tissue protection is critical.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Simple gamgee and neoprene boots are ineffective for supporting MCP extension; avoid relying on these alone for tendon/ligament protection
- •3-layered bandages with contoured palmar splints provide meaningful support and are low-cost options for injury management
- •The Dalmar carbon fibre boot offers practical support during exercise with adjustable settings and is suitable for rehabilitation protocols
Key Findings
- •Gamgee and neoprene exercise boots provided no significant resistance to MCP joint extension
- •3-layered bandage significantly resisted MCP extension at angles ≥245° (P<0.01), and with contoured splint at ≥230°
- •Dalmar carbon fibre tendon support boot resisted MCP extension at ≥245° (settings 1-2) and ≥225° (setting 3)
- •Contoured splint and Dalmar boot are practical options for tendon/ligament injury management and rehabilitation