Glossary
Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT).
Direct answer
The superficial digital flexor tendon runs down the back of the cannon region in both fore and hind limbs and links muscle to the bones of the digit. Its role is not only to transmit force: at every stance it stores elastic energy and returns that energy during push-off.
Energy-storing tendons operate close to their functional load limit, which is exactly what makes them efficient and, at the same time, vulnerable. With age the connective tissue between tendon fascicles changes most, reducing internal sliding. Injuries therefore often reflect accumulated microdamage rather than a single traumatic event.
The comparison with people is unusually direct here. The equine superficial digital flexor tendon is regarded as the functional counterpart of the human Achilles tendon: both store energy, both age in similar ways, and both heal with scar tissue rather than restored tendon. The horse is therefore studied as a spontaneous model.
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