Treatment of calcaneal bursa problems

The calcaneal region of the tarsus has a relatively complex anatomy and involves interactions between tendons, retinacula, ligaments, bursa and the calcaneal bone [1]. There are three distinct calcaneal bursa: the subgastrocnemius bursa that lies deep to the insertion of the gastrocnemius tendon onto the os calcis, the intertendinous bursa that lies between the tendon of gastrocnemius and the superficial digital flexor tendon, and the subcutaneous bursa that lies between the skin and the superficial digital flexor tendon. The subgastrocnemius bursa communicates with the intertendinous bursa in all horses. On the lateral aspect of the limb the two bursae exist as a single compartment, whereas on the medial aspect of the limb in approximately 50% of horses there is a synovial fold that leads to separation of the bursae. In 39% of horses the subcutaneous bursae communicates with the intertendinous calcaneal bursa. In about one-third of limbs there is a plantar reflection of the intertendinous calcaneal bursa, which extends subcutaneously. The mean extent of the intertendinous calcaneal bursa was 9.6 cm proximal and 7.0 cm distal to the tuber calcis. The subcutaneous bursa had a more distal position and frequently extended proximally from the proximal aspect of the tuber calcis to the level of the proximal intertarsal joint ...