THE EFFECT OF TOE ANGLE ON TENDON, LIGAMENT AND HOOF WALL STRAINS IN-VITRO

The effect of varying the toe angle on strain characteristics of the d eep digital flexor tendon, superficial digital flexor tendon, suspenso ry ligament, and hoof wall were investigated. This study was conducted in vitro using limbs recovered at necropsy and transected 15 cm above the carpus. Hall-effect strain sensors and uniaxial strain gages were used to measure tissue strain. Data were averaged by treatment, and m eans compared using analysis of variance procedures and Tukeys student ized range test. Deep digital flexor tendon strain decreased (P<.05) a s toe angle increased from 55-degrees to 78-degrees. Decreases in stra in were linear at both sites on the deep digital flexor tendon with in creasing toe angle. Strain of the superficial digital flexor tendon an d the suspensory ligament were not changed (P>.05) by toe angle. Strai n of the extensor branch of the suspensory ligament increased (P<.05) rapidly when toe angle increased. Strain of the hoof wall did not chan ge (P.>05) on the dorsal and lateral sides with increasing toe angle. Medial hoof wall strain increased (P<.05) with the addition of the 23- degrees heel wedge. The data show that strain of the deep digital flex or tendon and extensor branches of the suspensory ligament are affecte d by toe angle.