The skeletal system in horses comprises a complex structure of bones that provide support, protection, and mobility. Equine bones are involved in various physiological functions, including mineral storage and hematopoiesis. The bone structure in horses is categorized into different types, such as long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones, each serving specific roles in movement and stability. Research in this area explores topics such as bone development, remodeling, and the impact of nutrition and exercise on bone health. This page gathers peer-reviewed studies and academic articles that focus on the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of bones in horses, offering insights into conditions such as fractures, bone diseases, and the effects of aging on the equine skeletal system.
Four horses were evaluated because of hind limb lameness. Two had a distinct gait abnormality at the walk characterized by lateral rotation of the point of the calcaneus and medial rotation of the toe during the stance phase. Nuclear scintigraphy revealed a focal area of intense radioisotope uptake in the caudodistal aspect of the femur in all 4 horses, and 3 of the horses had a corresponding proliferative reaction on the caudodistal cortex of the femur on radiographs. In all 4 horses, a diagnosis of injury to the origin of the gastrocnemius muscle was made. Three of the horses returned to ath...
Gernhardt J, Reuter T, Mählmann K, Schulze N, Lischer CJ.To compare the feasibility and biomechanical stability of two surgical techniques for fixation of vertical plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone (ACB). Methods: Randomized experimental ex vivo study. Methods: Eight equine accessory carpal bones were included in a control group. A total of 20 equine cadaveric forelimbs were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10 per group). Methods: Vertical plane fractures were created palmar to the extensor sulcus using an oscillating saw. In Group 1 (CS), fractures were stabilized with two 4.5 mm cortical screws in lag fashion. In Group 2 (XP...