Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Biomechanics
Biomechanics in horses refers to the study of the mechanical principles that govern movement and physical function in equine species. This field encompasses the analysis of gait, locomotion, and the forces exerted by and upon the horse's musculoskeletal system. Biomechanical studies often involve the use of motion capture technology, force plates, and computer modeling to assess how horses move and how various factors, such as conformation, training, and health status, influence their performance and soundness. Research in equine biomechanics contributes to understanding injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the mechanics of movement, the impact of external and internal forces, and the applications of biomechanical analysis in equine care and management.
Preliminary data on the effect of osseous anatomy on ex vivo joint mobility in the equine thoracolumbar region. The thoracolumbar region is clinically important in horses; however, the link between joint mobility and bony joint morphology has not been tested quantitatively. Objective: To establish which aspects of vertebral morphology correlate with ex vivo range of motion in the thoracolumbar region of Equus caballus, and demonstrate methodologies for linking vertebral form and function. Methods: Morphometric study of osteological specimens. Methods: A digital model was created of a disarticulated thoracolumbar region to examine bone-to-bone interactions during in silico bending. Linear measurements a...
Biomechanical study in vitro on the use of self-designed external fixator in diaphyseal III metacarpal fractures in horses. Diaphyseal fractures of the III metacarpal bone represent 22% of all fractures of the long bones in horses. Treatment of such cases is difficult. The most popular solution used in these types of fractures is two plates applied directly to the bone surface, but they are not applicable on contaminated and infected fractures. External fixators are quite commonly used in human medicine, although in veterinary practice there is no typical stabilizer designed for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the III metacarpal bone so far. In this study, an external semicircular fixator of our own design...
Determination of vertebral range of motion using inertial measurement units in 27 Franches-Montagnes stallions and comparison between conditions and with a mixed population. The diagnosis of equine back disorders is challenging. Objectively determining movement of the vertebral column may therefore be of value in a clinical setting. Objective: To establish whether surface-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be used to establish normal values for range of motion (ROM) of the vertebral column in a uniform population of horses trotting under different conditions. Methods: Vertebral ROM was established in Franches-Montagnes stallions and a general population of horses and the variability in measurements compared between the two groups. Repeatability and the ...
Influence of Exercise and Intra-articular Site on Canals in Articular Calcified Cartilage of Equine Third Carpal Bones. The third carpal bone (C3) responds to exercise by adaptive modeling of bone and articular calcified cartilage along the dorsal load path. Canals penetrating articular calcified cartilage, thought to contain vascular tissue, are reported in numerous species. Their significance remains unclear. Our objective was to determine if the number of canals was significantly different in strenuously exercised and control young horses and in a site of intermittent high loading compared to sites sustaining lower habitual loads. Volumetric bone mineral density in the radial facet of C3 of strenuously exerc...
The suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx in normal horses. The suspensory apparatus of the distal phalanx (SADP) is functionally and clinically important. Objective: To investigate SADP form and function and the microanatomy of its insertion zone. Methods: Descriptive gross and microanatomy. Methods: The feet of 6 normal Standardbred horses were sectioned into blocks along the traditional perpendicular transverse axis and along functional axes of the SADP, decalcified and processed for staining with haematoxylin and eosin, Jones' periodic acid silver methenamine or Masson's trichrome stains. Results: In traditional midline toe transverse plane section...
Ex-Vivo Evaluation of a Modified Teno Fix(®) Device Repair Pattern Versus a 3-Loop Pulley for Repair of Equine Flexor Tendons. To compare the load to ultimate failure, load to a 2 mm gap, mode of failure, and gap at failure (mm) of the Teno Fix(®) (TF) to the 3-loop pulley (3LP) for repair of equine tendon lacerations. The use of 4TF devices versus 5TF devices on load to ultimate failure and load to a 2 mm gap was also compared. Methods: Ex vivo biomechanical study; unbalanced incomplete block (horse) design. Methods: Cadaveric equine forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon (n = 20 paired tendons). Methods: Ten tendon pairs were selected randomly and repaired with a 3LP and 4TF pattern, and 10 tendon pairs...
The equine neck and its function during movement and locomotion. During both locomotion and body movements at stance, the head and neck of the horse are a major craniocaudal and lateral balancing mechanism employing input from the visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems. The function of the equine neck has recently become the focus of several research groups; this is probably also feeding on an increase of interest in the equine neck in equestrian sports, with a controversial discussion of specific neck positions such as maximum head and neck flexion. The aim of this review is to offer an overview of new findings on the structures and functions of the...
Understanding hind limb lameness signs in horses using simple rigid body mechanics. Hind limb lameness detection in horses relies on the identification of movement asymmetry which can be based on multiple pelvic landmarks. This study explains the poorly understood relationship between hind limb lameness pointers, related to the tubera coxae and sacrum, based on experimental data in context of a simple rigid body model. Vertical displacement of tubera coxae and sacrum was quantified experimentally in 107 horses with varying lameness degrees. A geometrical rigid-body model of pelvis movement during lameness was created in Matlab. Several asymmetry measures were calculated and c...
A galloping quadruped model using left-right asymmetry in touchdown angles. Among quadrupedal gaits, the galloping gait has specific characteristics in terms of locomotor behavior. In particular, it shows a left-right asymmetry in gait parameters such as touchdown angle and the relative phase of limb movements. In addition, asymmetric gait parameters show a characteristic dependence on locomotion speed. There are two types of galloping gaits in quadruped animals: the transverse gallop, often observed in horses; and the rotary gallop, often observed in dogs and cheetahs. These two gaits have different footfall sequences. Although these specific characteristics in quadr...
Biomechanical modelling of impact-related fracture characteristics and injury patterns of the cervical spine associated with riding accidents. Horse-related injuries are manifold and can involve the upper and lower limbs, the trunk, spine or head. Cervical spine injuries are not among the most common injuries. However, they can be fatal and often result in neurological symptoms. This study investigated the influence of the posture of the cervical spine on the ultimate strength and the pattern of vertebrae failure with the aim to provide some guidance for protective clothing design. Methods: Eighteen human cervical spines, each divided into two specimens (three vertebrae each), were subjected to a simulator test designed to mimic a sp...
What quantitative mechanical loading stimulates in vitro cultivation best? Articular cartilage has limited regeneration capacities. One of the factors that appear to affect the in vitro cultivation of articular cartilage is mechanical stimulation. So far, no combination of parameters has been identified that offers the best results. The goal is to review the literature in search of the best available set of quantitative mechanical stimuli that lead to optimal in vitro cultivation.The databases Scopus and PubMed were used to survey the literature, and strict in- and exclusion criteria were applied regarding the presence of quantitative data. The review was performed b...
Parameters of the center of pressure displacement on the saddle during hippotherapy on different surfaces. Hippotherapy uses horseback riding movements for therapeutic purposes. In addition to the horse's movement, the choice of equipment and types of floor are also useful in the intervention. The quantification of dynamic parameters that define the interaction of the surface of contact between horse and rider provides insight into how the type of floor surface variations act upon the subject's postural control. Objective: To test whether different types of surfaces promote changes in the amplitude (ACOP) and velocity (VCOP) of the center of pressure (COP) displacement during the rider's contact wi...
Ageing does not result in a decline in cell synthetic activity in an injury prone tendon. Advancing age is a well-known risk factor for tendon disease. Energy-storing tendons [e.g., human Achilles, equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT)] are particularly vulnerable and it is thought that injury occurs following an accumulation of micro-damage in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Several authors suggest that age-related micro-damage accumulates due to a failure of the aging cell population to maintain the ECM or an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic pathways. We hypothesized that ageing results in a decreased ability of tendon cells to synthesize matrix components and m...
Design of an endovascular morcellator for the surgical treatment of equine Cushing’s disease. A new paradigm of surgical treatment of equine Cushing's disease has been developed using the vascular system combined with a flexible morcellation instrument to reach the pituitary gland. Objective: The goal was twofold: (1) to design, prototype, and test an instrument that can reach the pituitary gland using the vascular system unique to equids and (2) to test the feasibility of the endovascular approach. Methods: The morcellator consists of a radial rotating cutting blade for tissue resection, a flexible shaft incorporating a cable drive for flexible actuation, and central morcellated tissu...
Comparison of limited-contact dynamic compression plate and locking compression plate constructs for proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in the horse. This study compared in vitro monotonic and cyclic mechanical properties of equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodeses stabilized using an open or closed technique combined with axial 4.5 mm narrow limited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) or 4.5 mm narrow locking compression plate (LCP). Ten forelimb pairs were randomly assigned to LCP or LC-DCP groups. One limb in each pair was assigned to either open or closed technique. Limbs were tested for cyclic fatigue at 20 000 cycles and then single-cycle to failure under 3-point dorsopalmar bending. There was no significant difference...
Head and pelvic movement asymmetry during lungeing in horses with symmetrical movement on the straight. Lungeing is commonly used as part of standard lameness examinations in horses. Knowledge of how lungeing influences motion symmetry in sound horses is needed. Objective: The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the symmetry of vertical head and pelvic motion during lungeing in a large number of horses with symmetric motion during straight line evaluation. Methods: Cross-sectional prospective study. Methods: A pool of 201 riding horses, all functioning well and considered sound by their owners, were evaluated in trot on a straight line and during lungeing to the left and right. From th...
Knot Security of 5 Metric (USP 2) Sutures: Influence of Knotting Technique, Suture Material, and Incubation Time for 14 and 28 Days in Phosphate Buffered Saline and Inflamed Equine Peritoneal Fluid. To evaluate knot security for 3 knot types created in 3 commonly used 5 metric suture materials incubated in physiological and pathological fluids. Methods: In vitro mechanical study. Methods: Knotted suture loops (n = 5/group). Methods: Loops of 3 different suture materials (glycolide/lactide copolymer; polyglactin 910; polydioxanone) were created around a 20 mm rod using 3 knot types (square [SQ], surgeon's [SK], and triple knot [TK]) and were tested to failure in distraction (6 mm/min) after tying (day 0) and after being incubated for 14 and 28 days in phosphate buffered saline (PBS...
Mechanical nociceptive thresholds using four probe configurations in horses. To examine the relationship between probe tip size and force readings of mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MTs) to identify appropriate probes for horses. Methods: Randomized, crossover study. Methods: Eight adult, mixed-breed horses aged 5-10 years, weighing 268-460 kg. Methods: Four probe configurations (PCs) were used in random sequence: 1.0 mm diameter (SHARP); 3.2 mm (BLUNT); spring-mounted 1.0 mm (SPRING), and 3 × 2.5 mm (3PIN). A remote-controlled unit on the horse increased force (1.2 N second(-1)) in a pneumatic actuator on the metacarpus. Mean MT for each PC was calculated from 10 ...
Hoof position during limb loading affects dorsoproximal bone strains on the equine proximal phalanx. Sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in the racehorse appear to be associated with turf racing surfaces, which are known to restrict forward slide of the foot at impact. We hypothesized that restriction of forward foot slip would result in higher P1 bone strains during metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) hyperextension. Unilateral limbs from six equine cadavers were instrumented with strain gauges and bone reference markers to measure dorsoproximal P1 bone strains and MCPJ extension, collateromotion and axial rotation during in vitro limb loading to 10,500 N. By limiting movement of th...
Microangiographic Comparison of the Effects of 3 Loop Pulley and 6 Strand Savage Tenorrhaphy Techniques on Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon. The 6-strand Savage (SSS) tenorrhaphy pattern is biomechanically superior to the commonly employed 3-loop pulley (3LP); however, its effects on intrinsic tendon vasculature remain unknown. The objective of this study was to compare perfusion of intrinsic vasculature of the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) after 3LP and SSS tenorrhaphies. We hypothesized that the SSS technique would significantly decrease vascular perfusion compared to the 3LP technique. Methods: Ex vivo, randomized, paired design. Methods: Horses (n = 9) METHODS: Under general anesthesia, 9 pairs of forelimb...
The interfascicular matrix enables fascicle sliding and recovery in tendon, and behaves more elastically in energy storing tendons. While the predominant function of all tendons is to transfer force from muscle to bone and position the limbs, some tendons additionally function as energy stores, reducing the cost of locomotion. Energy storing tendons experience extremely high strains and need to be able to recoil efficiently for maximum energy storage and return. In the equine forelimb, the energy storing superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) has much higher failure strains than the positional common digital extensor tendon (CDET). However, we have previously shown that this is not due to differences in the properties of...
Mechanical characterization of matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI®) grafts in an equine model at 53 weeks. There has been much interest in using autologous chondrocytes in combination with scaffold materials to aid in cartilage repair. In the present study, a total of 27 animals were used to compare the performance of matrix-assisted chondrocyte implantation (MACI®) using a collagen sponge as a chondrocyte delivery vehicle, the sponge membrane alone, and empty controls. A total of three distinct types of mechanical analyses were performed on repaired cartilage harvested from horses after 53 weeks of implantation: (1) compressive behavior of samples to measure aggregate modulus (HA) and hydraulic p...
A mechanostatistical approach to cortical bone remodelling: an equine model. In this study, the development of a mechanostatistical model of three-dimensional cortical bone remodelling informed with in vivo equine data is presented. The equine model was chosen as it is highly translational to the human condition due to similar Haversian systems, availability of in vivo bone strain and biomarker data, and furthermore, equine models are recommended by the US Federal Drugs Administration for comparative joint research. The model was derived from micro-computed tomography imaged specimens taken from the equine third metacarpal bone, and the Frost-based 'mechanostat' was in...
Absence of population asymmetry in the American Quarter Horse (Equus ferus caballus) performing skilled left and right manoeuvres in reining competition. Use of the right hand by humans for speech-related hand gestures, writing and throwing exemplifies motoric asymmetry. There are reports of asymmetry in many other animal species, including reports of left preference in emotional responsivity, spontaneous behaviour and the trained performance of the horse, Equus ferus caballus. The present study used the novel approach of using judges' scores to examine asymmetry in an equestrian event. The study analysed the scores of five judges evaluating the reining performance of 482, three-year-old American Quarter Horses competing in a major competition....
Relative stiffness of 3 bandage/splint constructs for stabilization of equine midmetacarpal fractures. Determine the relative stiffness of 3 bandage/splint constructs intended for emergency fracture stabilization. Methods: Experimental model. A single plane free end deflection model was developed to simulate the forces placed on a bandage/splint construct during stabilization of a complete mid-metacarpal bone fracture. The total deflection of the model in one plane was measured following application of 3 different bandage/splint combinations including a classic, 3 layered Robert Jones Bandage (RJB) with a splint placed on the outside of the bandage (RJB-3), an RJB with splint placed after the f...
In vitro mechanical evaluation of equine laryngeal tie-forward constructs prepared with different suture materials and placement patterns. To compare the mechanical properties of laryngeal tie-forward (LTF) constructs prepared with different suture materials and suture placement patterns during single load to failure testing. Methods: Larynges harvested from 50 horse cadavers and 5 intact horse cadavers. Methods: In vitro LTF constructs were created by a standard technique with polyester sutures, a standard technique with polyethylene sutures, a modified technique with metallic implants and polyester sutures, a modified technique with metallic implants and polyethylene sutures, or a modified tie-off technique with polyester sutur...
A universal approach to determine footfall timings from kinematics of a single foot marker in hoofed animals. The study of animal movement commonly requires the segmentation of continuous data streams into individual strides. The use of forceplates and foot-mounted accelerometers readily allows the detection of the foot-on and foot-off events that define a stride. However, when relying on optical methods such as motion capture, there is lack of validated robust, universally applicable stride event detection methods. To date, no method has been validated for movement on a circle, while algorithms are commonly specific to front/hind limbs or gait. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate kinemati...
Circumferential hoof clamp method of lameness induction in the horse. A circumferential hoof clamp method to induce controlled and reversible lameness in the forelimbs of eight horses was assessed. Peak vertical forces and vertical impulses were recorded using a force plate to verify induced lameness. Video recordings were used by blinded observers to determine subjective lameness using a 0-5 scale and any residual lameness following clamp loosening. Tightening of clamps resulted in consistent, visible lameness in the selected limbs in all horses. Lameness was confirmed by significant decreases from baseline in the peak vertical force (P <0.01). Lameness wa...
The foot-surface interaction and its impact on musculoskeletal adaptation and injury risk in the horse. The equine limb has evolved for efficient locomotion and high-speed performance, with adaptations of bone, tendon and muscle. However, the system lacks the ability seen in some species to dynamically adapt to different circumstances. The mechanical interaction of the limb and the ground is influenced by internal and external factors including fore-hind mass distribution, lead limb, moving on a curve, shoeing and surface properties. It is unclear which of the components of limb loading have the largest effect on injury and performance but peak load, impact and vibration all play a role. Factors...
