Which statement correctly describes the joints affected by the SDF and DDF check ligaments?

Which statement correctly describes the joints affected by the SDF and DDF check ligaments?

• A. The fetlock joints are affected
• B. The carpal joints are affected
• C. The pastern joints are affected
• D. Carpal and Pastern joints

Answer: (D)

The stay mechanism relies on ligaments that restrain the tendons as they cross the joints, so the limb can bear weight with little muscle work. The superficial digital flexor check ligament anchors the superficial flexor tendon as it passes by the carpus and toward the digits, and the deep digital flexor check ligament does the same for the deep flexor tendon. Because these attachments sit around the carpal region and the joints between the small bones of the limb and the digits, they mainly limit movement at the carpal joints and the pastern joints. In other words, they help stabilize the carpus and the joints of the digits during weight-bearing, rather than primarily stabilizing the fetlock.

The stay mechanism relies on ligaments that restrain the tendons as they cross the joints, so the limb can bear weight with little muscle work. The superficial digital flexor check ligament anchors the superficial flexor tendon as it passes by the carpus and toward the digits, and the deep digital flexor check ligament does the same for the deep flexor tendon. Because these attachments sit around the carpal region and the joints between the small bones of the limb and the digits, they mainly limit movement at the carpal joints and the pastern joints. In other words, they help stabilize the carpus and the joints of the digits during weight-bearing, rather than primarily stabilizing the fetlock.