Inferior Check Ligament Desmitis
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

The inferior check ligament (ICL) is properly referred to as the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor (ALDDF) tendon. But ICL is much easier to remember. In the front leg it is a substantial structure originating off the back of the knee as a continuation of the common ligament of the carpus and it continues distally just under the deep digital flexor tendon with which it joins in the middle third of the cannon. The structure is much less robust in the rear limb.

The ICL helps the DDF from over-stretching by helping to carry load when the fetlock and coffin joint are in maximal extension. This is seen just prior to breakover. Hyper-extension or these joints, like seen during the landing after a jump, are the cause of acute desmitis of the ICL. There are also some poorly understood chronic conditions of the ICL. This article describes diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these diseases of the ICL.

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