Injury occurs when the individual fiber bundles are stretched beyond their capacity and rupture. Mechanical overload is when these structures are stretched beyond their normal capacity. Injury can occur from external trauma or from mechanical overload. Ligaments also have greater resistance to forces of torque, shearing, bending, and twisting than tendons. They also have less stretch and elasticity than tendons. Ligaments are much shorter and stiffer than tendons. Ligaments hold joints, bones and other structures together and add stability to the limb. A ligament is a band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilage. During exercise they can stretch and retract from 1″to 3″. Tendons are the “cables” that control the movement of the limb and locks the joints into position. Tendons have high tensile strength, are elastic, and are capable of absorbing and storing energy. They are divided into flexor and extensor tendons and are attached to the muscles and when contracted, either flex or extend the limb. The definition of a tendon is a fibrous cord by which muscle is attached to bone. Injuries that cause lameness in horses that are soft tissue in origin primarily occur in the tendons and ligaments of the lower limbs. Collagen fibers in tendons are tightly arranged in parallel bundles, whereas skin collagen is loosely arranged. Soft tissue is primarily made up of strong fibers called collagen. Soft tissues make up the connections between the bones and provide the power to move the skeletal system. These injuries can be difficult to diagnose, manage, and can take considerable time for complete healing to occur. Soft tissue injuries are a relatively common cause of lameness in the athletic horse.
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