Clinical Forum: Diagnosis and treatment of injuries of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (inferior check ligament)

Abstract

The accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT; inferior check ligament) acts to reduce the force applied to the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). It arises from the dorsal wall of the carpal sheath and continues distally to blend with the DDFT in the mid-metatarsal region. It is also present in the hindlimb but as a much smaller structure, usually less than half the diameter of the DDFT and originating from the medial plantar ligament of the tarsus.