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Five joints ● Six bones ● Three rows
TARSAL BONE FUNCTION: undergo axial compression and tension alongside torsional loading during locomotion.
DISTAL TARSAL BONES: function to absorb shock and neutralise twisting forces.
Central tarsal bone absorbs most of the stresses.
The movement of the tarsus is linked to the movement of the stifle; they work in co-ordination due to the reciprocal mechanism (two opposing sets of muscles). Example: when the tarsus is flexed, the stifle also flexes simultaneously. This reciprocal mechanism is important for counteraction and absorption of concussive forces.
The tarsus is a ginglymus (capable of unidirectional movement) that is also able to absorb direct shock.
The trochlear (part of the talus bone) is important for the articulation of the tarsal joint. It articulates with the distal tibia (which is moulded so it sits over the trochlear ridges). When the joint is flexed, the distal limb is pulled slightly to one side as the trochlear ridges slant outwards. This is how the hindlimb hooves avoid hitting the abdomen; if the tarsus was a hinge joint, this would happen.
The rows of tarsal bones should have minimal movement (limited to slight gliding), and to ensure this there is a system of collateral and dorsal ligaments. The collateral ligaments are arranged in a fan shape to allow for the joint to return to its neutral position. The amount of ligaments means that fractures and laxations are not common.
The tibiotarsal joint is the joint of highest motion, accounting for 90% of the range of motion. The three lower joint below are responsible for the remaining 10% of the range of motion.
Osteoarthritis ● Synovitis ● Osteochondrosis ● Osteitis ● Fractures (most commonly to exposed areas of tarsus such as sustentaculum tali/trochlear ridges) ● Luxation ● Ligament and tendon conditions ● Inflammation (capped hock, thorough pin, bog spavin)
The most common area for injury and damage (degeneration) is in the lower two rows of the flattened tarsal bones.
Tarsal dysfunction may cause or be resulting from a secondary or primary issue that is separate to the original issue.
Bone Spavin
Fracture to Calcaneus
Radiological Images of the Tarsus
Tarsal Anatomy and Dysfunction
In-depth Examination of the Tarsus
Research article: Effect of standing tarsal angle on joint kinematics and kinetics
Research article: Imaging of Early Distal Tarsal Osteoarthritis in Icelandic Horses