Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed what they describe as an easy-to-apply ultrasound approach to evaluate the popliteal tendon and muscle in horses.
The popliteal complex, as it is collectively known, are major stabilizers of the human and dog knee. Injuring the structures can cause knee pain, and it is generally associated with injuries to the likes of the lateral meniscus and/or the cranial cruciate ligament.
Please find below a summary from the researchers – here is a link to read the full article on MDPI Journals READ HERE
Simple Summary
“The popliteal tendon and muscle are major stabilizers of the human and dog knee. Injury to this complex causes knee pain, and it is generally associated with other injured structures such as the lateral meniscus and/or the cranial cruciate ligament. The equine popliteal complex is poorly reported. Lameness due to stifle pathology is a serious clinical concern in sport horses, and the roll of the popliteal complex in this is unknown. One of the cardinal diagnostic tools on lameness exams is ultrasonography; however, a comprehensive technique to examine the complete popliteal complex (tendon and muscle) in horses has not been reported. The objective of the study was to develop a detailed ultrasound technique of the equine popliteal complex. We present here a detailed ultrasound technique to clearly evaluate the popliteal tendon, its components and variable insertions, the subpopliteal recess, and muscle. This new ultrasound approach is easy to apply by following clear anatomical landmarks, even by inexperienced operators. The technique presented here can be complementary to a routine stifle ultrasound exam.”
