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  Discussion on Tendon Sheath anatomy question
Author Message
Member:
kaye

Posted on Monday, Oct 13, 2008 - 6:28 pm:

I was under the understanding that the tendon sheath was where the tendon moved over a joint, or does it cover the entire tendon. Lets say hypothetically that a horse has a tendon sheath injury in the middle of its tendon, as shown by arrow on picture? Is this possible? Is there a sheath covering the entire tendon as well?
Member:
stevens

Posted on Monday, Oct 13, 2008 - 6:46 pm:

Yes, the tendon sheath covers the entire tendon.

When a horse develops adhesions, it's the tendon getting stuck inside the sheath. Unfortunately, I've picked up more than a little experience on this topic
Member:
kaye

Posted on Monday, Oct 13, 2008 - 11:56 pm:

O.K. So the tendon moves within this sheath. So I am trying to visualize this; the tendon sheath allows the tendon to move freely right? Within the joint is the tendon enclosed in the sheath and the tendon sheath then passes through a synovial sheath to allow it to freely move over the joints? Have I totally confused this now?
If a ultra sound shows a tear in the tendon sheath in the area of the arrow what complications can arise from this? I am assuming tendon sheath scaring would be one, correct? If this scaring occurs does it limit the movement of the tendon. Can this lead to problems of it's own? Sorry for all the questions I was just curious and want to get a visual model in my head. Thanks
Member:
stevens

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 - 9:49 am:

Kaye,

I'm not sure what you mean by "within the joint". I'll defer to Dr. O, but I think that that a tear in the tendon sheath could develop adhesions to the tendon during the healing process. My gut feel is that a tear to the sheath is not as bad as a tear to the tendon.

Good Luck!
Member:
kaye

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 - 3:34 pm:

I guess I should say over the joint. Dr. O what do you think?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 - 6:26 pm:

Well not the whole tendon, but a large majority of it and there are actually two separate tendon sheaths. In the front leg the proximal one runs through the back of the carpus (knee) and the distal one starts from about where your arrow points to goes all the way to the foot. Yes the sheath can be injured at this point. Injury to the tendon and or sheath is called tenosynovitis and you will find a complete description of this condition in the article on flexor tendinitis.
DrO
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