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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2017; 30(02): 91-98
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-16-01-0016
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

An anatomical and histological study of the equine proximal manica flexoria

Judith A. Findley
1   Chine House Veterinary Hospital, Sileby Hall, Sileby, UK
,
Emanuele E. Ricci
2   Pathology Group, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, UK
,
Ellen E. Singer
3   Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, UK
› Author Affiliations Financial support This project was funded through a Surgeon-in-Training grant from the European College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 27 January 2016

Accepted: 16 January 2016

Publication Date:
28 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objectives: The main aim was to describe the gross and histological appearance of the equine manica flexoria and to identify any differences between the forelimbs and hind-limbs. An additional aim was to relate the findings to diagnostic and surgical anatomy of the manica flexoria.

Methods: Measurements of the manica flex-oria were made on cadaveric limbs from horses free from pathology within the digital flexor tendon sheath. Histological sections, stained with haematoxylin and eosin and alcian- periodic acid schiff, were evaluated based on three micro-anatomical zones from dorsal to palmar or plantar. The prevalent tenocyte morphology, number, and distribution of blood vessels and nerves were described in each zone. Forelimb and hindlimb measurements were compared using a Students T-test.

Results: Proximally, the manica flexoria attaches to the digital flexor tendon sheath via a reflection of areolar tissue. The fibrous manica flexoria is longer in the forelimb (32.0 ± 4.2 mm) than the hindlimb (29.4 ± 3.8 mm) (p = 0.04), with the areolar portion longer in the hindlimb (22.9 ± 5.3 mm) compared to the forelimb (16.7 ± 4.3 mm) limb (p = 0.0005). Histologically, degenerate blood vessels were prevalent in the palmar/ plantar regions and were associated with chondrocyte-like tenocytes, indicative of fibrocartilagenous metaplasia.

Clinical significance: The study has provided a detailed anatomical description of the manica flexoria relevant for interpretation of diagnostic and surgical evaluation. Fibrocartilaginous metaplasia occurs on the palmar/plantar surfaces of the manica flex-oria.

Keywords

Manica flexoria - anatomy - fibrocartilaginous metaplasia - equine
 

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