title: Flexion test of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints and flexion angle of the metacarpophalangeal joint in sound horses.
abstract: This paper describes the application of a measuring device 'Flextest' to control the effect of traction force and traction time during flexion tests of the distal limb joints of the forelimbs. The optimal force for a flexion test is 100 N, over 1 min. A higher force (150 N) was not harmful. A slightly positive flexion response (100 N/1 min) in a horse with no other clinical signs or radiographic abnormalities is not of clinical significance. Individual left and right flexion and extension angles are almost identical and do not depend on age. Stabled horses which have been rested or horses resting at pasture are less likely to have a positive flexion test than working horses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Verschooten
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Verbeeck
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002350:Carpus, Animal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D007596:Joints / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018583:Pliability; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology