Topic:Cadaver
The use of cadavers in equine research involves the examination of deceased horses to study anatomy, pathology, and various physiological processes. Cadaver studies provide valuable insights into equine health and disease without the ethical concerns associated with live subjects. These studies contribute to the understanding of musculoskeletal structures, organ systems, and disease mechanisms. Research utilizing equine cadavers often focuses on surgical techniques, anatomical variations, and the effects of specific conditions on the horse's body. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, findings, and applications of cadaver studies in equine science.
Trephination of the equine rostral maxillary sinus: efficacy and safety of two trephine sites. To examine 2 rostral maxillary sinus (RMS) trephine sites for safety and efficacy using skulls of horses of varying age. Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: Cadaveric equine skulls (n=40). Methods: Two RMS trephination sites (rostral, caudal) were made in each skull. Radiographic projections using markers at each site were used to determine if sites were within the RMS and directly overlying a cheek tooth. Sinusotomy in 14 skulls was used to determine correlation between radiographic and anatomic location of trephine sites, and of the rostrolateral aspect of the maxillary septum. Age-related ...
Fracture configurations of the equine radius and tibia after a simulated kick. The objective of this postmortem study was to determine the fracture configurations of the equine radius and tibia after a simulated kick. Fracture configurations of 35 radii and 36 tibiae from 19 adult horses were evaluated after a simulated kick in an experimental ex-vivo study. The bones were dissected, the proximal and distal ends were embedded in resin, fixed horizontally and preloaded in compression, and a steel impactor, designed to simulate a shod equine hoof, was dropped from a height of three to six metres onto the diaphysis. The experiments were filmed with a high-speed camera (30,0...
Development of equine upper airway fluid mechanics model for Thoroughbred racehorses. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models provide the means to evaluate airflow in the upper airways without requiring in vivo experiments. Objective: The physiological conditions of a Thoroughbred racehorse's upper airway during exercise could be simulated. Methods: Computed tomography scanned images of a 3-year-old intact male Thoroughbred racehorse cadaver were used to simulate in vivo geometry. Airway pressure traces from a live Thoroughbred horse, during exercise was used to set the boundary condition. Fluid-flow equations were solved for turbulent flow in the airway during inspiratory an...
Comparative anatomy and muscle architecture of selected hind limb muscles in the Quarter Horse and Arab. The Quarter Horse (bred for acceleration) and the Arab (bred for endurance) are situated at either end of the equine athletic spectrum. Studies into the form and function of the leg muscles in human sprint and endurance runners have demonstrated that differences exist in their muscle architecture. It is not known whether similar differences exist in the horse. Six Quarter Horse and six Arab fresh hind limb cadavers were dissected to gain information on the muscle mass and architecture of the following muscles: gluteus medius; biceps femoris; semitendinosus; vastus lateralis; gastrocnemius; tib...
In vitro biomechanical comparison of equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis techniques: prototype equine spoon plate versus axially positioned dynamic compression plate and two abaxial transarticular cortical screws inserted in lag fashion. To compare in vitro monotonic biomechanical properties of an equine spoon plate (ESP) with an axial 3-hole, 4.5 mm narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP) using 5.5 mm cortical screws in conjunction with 2 abaxial transarticular 5.5 mm cortical screws (DCP-TLS) inserted in lag fashion for equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis. Methods: Paired in vitro biomechanical testing of 2 methods of stabilizing cadaveric adult equine forelimb PIP joints. Methods: Cadaveric adult equine forelimbs (n=18 pairs). Methods: For each forelimb pair, 1 PIP joint was stabilized with an ESP (8 hole...
Development of an in vitro three dimensional loading-measurement system for long bone fixation under multiple loading conditions: a technical description. The purpose of this investigation was to design and verify the capabilities of an in vitro loading-measurement system that mimics in vivo unconstrained three dimensional (3D) relative motion between long bone ends, applies uniform load components over the entire length of a test specimen, and measures 3D relative motion between test segment ends to directly determine test segment construct stiffness free of errors due to potting-fixture-test machine finite stiffness.Intact equine cadaveric radius bones, which were subsequently osteotomized/ostectomized and instrumented with bone plates were su...
Comparison of magnetic resonance contrast arthrography and arthroscopic anatomy of the equine palmar lateral outpouching of the middle carpal joint. The objective of this report was to provide an anatomic description of the equine palmar lateral outpouching of the middle carpal joint by comparing its arthroscopic and magnetic resonance (MR) contrast arthrography appearance and to define the structures within the palmar lateral outpouching of the middle carpal joint that can be assessed arthroscopically. MR contrast arthrography was performed on seven cadaveric limbs; images were compared with those obtained during arthroscopic exploration of the palmar lateral outpouching of the middle carpal joint. Gross dissection was performed to confir...
Comparison of insertion characteristics of two types of hydroxyapatite-coated and uncoated positive profile transfixation pins in the third metacarpal bone of horses. To determine the effect of 2 hydroxyapatite pin coatings on heat generated at the bone-pin interface and torque required for insertion of transfixation pins into cadaveric equine third metacarpal bone. Methods: Third metacarpal bone pairs from 27 cadavers of adult horses. Methods: Peak temperature of the bone at the cis-cortex and the hardware and pin at the trans-cortex was measured during insertion of a plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite (PSHA)-coated, biomimetic hydroxyapatite (BMHA)-coated, or uncoated large animal transfixation pin. End-insertional torque was measured for each pin. The bone-pi...
Dorsolateral approach for arthrocentesis of the centrodistal joint in horses. To develop a dorsolateral approach to the centrodistal (distal intertarsal) joint in horses and compare its success rate with that of the traditional medial approach in that joint. Methods: 25 cadaveric equine hind limbs, ultrasonographic images, and radiographic views of the tarsal region of 5 and 59 healthy horses, respectively, and 22 horses with a clinical indication for centrodistal joint centesis. Methods: The dorsolateral approach was established anatomically (3 cadaveric limbs), ultrasonographically (5 horses), and radiographically (59 horses). Centrodistal joint arthrocentesis was per...
Three-dimensional ultrasonographic in vitro imaging of lesions of the meniscus and femoral trochlea in the equine stifle. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the value of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography for the diagnosis of equine meniscal and trochlear ridge lesions under in vitro conditions. Lesions were created in the isolated meniscus and femoral trochlea of 25 cadaver stifle joints. Cylindric, conic, and cuboid lesions were created on the trochlear ridge. Five different meniscal tear configurations were created. A total of 107 lesions of the trochlear ridge and 103 lesions of the meniscus were created. 3D ultrasonography was performed in a waterbath, using a 7.5 MHz 3D scanner. Trochlea...
Comparison of three dorsal techniques for arthrocentesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses. To compare 3 dorsal techniques for arthrocentesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses with regard to ease of performing the technique and to determine the role of operator experience in ease of performing these techniques. Methods: Observational study. Sample Population-Forelimbs from 17 equine cadavers and 12 horses (16 joints) undergoing arthrocentesis for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Methods: In both forelimbs from 7 of the equine cadavers, 3 arthrocentesis techniques (dorsal perpendicular, dorsolateral, and dorsal inclined) were performed in random order by a single experi...
A surgical approach to the lateral compartment of the equine guttural pouch in the standing horse: modification of the forgotten “Garm technique”. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and complications following lavage and drainage of the lateral compartment (LC) of the equine guttural pouch (GP) using a modified Garm's technique (MGT). In an ex vivo study (study 1), six cadaver heads were examined to assess the anatomical limits of the surgical approach and whether vital structures might be damaged. This was followed by an in vivo study (study 2) in which a lavage/drainage tube was placed for 3 days into each LC of four standing horses using the MGT. In both studies, the procedure offered direct access i...
Sonographic anatomy of the palmarodistal aspect of the equine digit. Although ultrasonography is widely used in equine orthopedics, its use in the distal portion of the digit is still limited. The purpose of this descriptive study was to document the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the palmarodistal aspect of the digital area imaged between the bulbs of the heels. Ultrasonographic images were obtained with a 7.5 MHz microconvex transducer in 10 fresh equine cadaver forelimbs and five soundhorses. Sagittal, parasagittal, and transverse images were obtained from the proximal aspect of the middle phalanx to the distal sesamoid bone. Anatomic sections were ob...
Ventroaxial luxation of the apex of the corniculate process of the arytenoid cartilage in resting horses during induced swallowing or nasal occlusion. To report ventroaxial luxation of the apex of the left or right corniculate process of the arytenoid cartilage under the contralateral corniculate process during resting endoscopic examination, and morphologic features of the larynx of 1 affected horse. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Horses (n=8). Methods: Horses had endoscopic examination as part of a survey of Clydesdale horses (n=7), or investigation of poor performance in Thoroughbred horses (1). One Clydesdale was euthanatized and the larynx examined; 4 cadaver larynges from normal horses were also examined. Results: Ventroaxial l...
Alteration of distal tarsal subchondral bone thickness pattern in horses with tarsal pain. Understanding of the development of pathology and source of pain in distal tarsal osteoarthritis is poorly understood. Magnetic resonance imaging is often used in the analysis of human osteoarthritis (OA) because it is sensitive to early changes. Objective: In association with distal tarsal joint (DTJ) pain, there will be an alteration in the characteristic subchondral bone (SCB) thickness pattern of horses with no history of pain when subjected to low-level exercise. Methods: Sixteen cadaver tarsal joints were collected from 9 mature horses with a history of tarsal pain and radiographic evide...
Innervation and nerve injections of the lumbar spine of the horse: a cadaveric study. The distal limb innervation of the horse has been studied extensively to allow use of local anaesthetic techniques to detect the origin of pain in lameness. However, the innervation of the lumbar spine has so far been poorly described and a more precise description may assist clinicians to localise back pain in the horse. Objective: To gain better knowledge of the innervation of the lumbar spine and identify salient anatomical features that might be used for diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound guided injections. Methods: The spines of 8 mature horses were dissected. Branches of the dorsal ra...
An anatomic study of the calcaneal bursae in the horse. To establish an injection site for the gastrocnemius calcaneal bursa (GCB), to identify communication patterns between the calcaneal bursae, to estimate the proximal and distal extents of the intertendinous calcaneal bursa (ICB) and to identify variations from previous anatomic descriptions. Methods: Descriptive anatomic study. Methods: Cadaveric equine hindlimbs (n=18) from 9 adult horses. Methods: Communication between the ICB and GCB was determined in 18 cadaveric hindlimbs by injection of a latex mixture, followed by examination of sequential sagittal sections and documentation of the dist...
Density and morphologic features of primary epidermal laminae in the feet of three-year-old racing Quarter Horses. To quantify the density of primary epidermal laminae (PELs) around the solar circumference and evaluate the relationship between regional PEL density and hoof capsule morphology in horses. Methods: Forefeet from nine 3-year-old Quarter Horse cadavers. Methods: Data pertaining to gross features of hoof morphology and PEL variables, including number, density, and distribution patterns around the perimeter of the hoof wall and number of bar PELs, were collected. Tissues of the laminar junction were examined histologically. Results: No significant differences were found between left and right fore...
Computer-assisted surgery for screw insertion into the distal sesamoid bone in horses: an in vitro study. To compare the precision of computer-assisted surgery with a conventional technique (CV) using a special guiding device for screw insertion into the distal sesamoid bone in horses. Methods: In vitro experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric forelimb specimens. Methods: Insertion of a 3.5 mm cortex screw in lag fashion along the longitudinal axis of intact (non-fractured) distal sesamoid bones was evaluated in 2 groups (8 limbs each): CV and computer-assisted surgery (CAS). For CV, the screw was inserted using a special guiding device and fluoroscopy, whereas for CAS, the screw was inserted using ...
Comparison of radiography and computed tomography to evaluate metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint pathology of paired limbs of thoroughbred racehorses with severe condylar fracture. To compare the orthogonal radiographic (OR) and computed tomographic (CT) appearance of paired Thoroughbred racehorse limbs with severe condylar fracture. Methods: In vitro study. Methods: Cadaveric paired limbs with severe condylar fracture (n=11 horses). Methods: Four standard radiographic and multiple transverse CT images were obtained of the fractured and contralateral limbs centering on the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joints. Radiographs and CT images were graded by 4 raters, and interobserver agreement was calculated. Imaging evaluations were supplemented by fetlock joint dis...
An in vitro biomechanical comparison between prototype tapered shaft cortical bone screws and AO cortical bone screws for an equine metacarpal dynamic compression plate fixation of osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones. To compare biomechanical properties of a prototype 5.5 mm tapered shaft cortical screw (TSS) and 5.5 mm AO cortical screw for an equine third metacarpal dynamic compression plate (EM-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: Paired in vitro biomechanical testing of cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Methods: Adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones (n=12 pairs). Methods: Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 groups (4 pairs each) for (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure testi...
Magnetic resonance microscopy of the equine hoof wall: a study of resolution and potential. Obtaining magnetic resonance images of the inner hoof wall tissue at the microscopic level would enable early accurate diagnosis of laminitis and therefore more effective therapy. Objective: To optimise magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in order to obtain the highest possible resolution of the structures beneath the equine hoof wall. Methods: Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) was performed in front feet from 6 cadaver horses using T2-weighted fast spin echo (FSE-T2), and T1-weighted gradient echo (GRE-T1) sequences. Results: In T2 weighted FSE images most of the stratum medium show...
A comparative study of articular cartilage thickness in the stifle of animal species used in human pre-clinical studies compared to articular cartilage thickness in the human knee. Histological measurements of the thickness of non-calcified and calcified cartilage, as well as the subchondral bone plate in five locations on the femoral trochlea and medial femoral condyles of species were used in preclinical studies of articular cartilage and compared to those of the human knee. Cadaver specimens were obtained of six human knees, as well as six equine, six goat, six dog, six sheep and six rabbit stifle joints (the animal equivalent of the human knee). Specimens were taken from the lateral trochlear ridge, medial trochlear ridge and medial femoral condyle. After histopathol...
Vascular distribution of contrast medium during intraosseous regional perfusion of the distal portion of the equine forelimb. To describe the vascular distribution pattern of contrast medium during intraosseous regional perfusion (IORP) of the distal portion of the equine forelimb. Methods: 13 cadaveric forelimbs from 12 horses without forelimb diseases. Methods: Serial lateromedial radiographic views were taken of the distal portion of 10 heparinized cadaveric forelimbs at 0, 1, 2, 6, 15, and 30 minutes during IORP of the third metacarpal bone (MCIII) by use of iodinated contrast medium and a tourniquet placed over the proximal portion of MCIII. Vascular regions of interest (ROI) were created for each radiograph. Re...
Ex vivo comparison of a novel tapered-sleeve and traditional full-limb transfixation pin cast for distal radial fracture stabilization in the horse. Distal radial fractures in adult horses are examples of long-bone fractures that are not always amenable to internal fixation. These fractures are often open, contaminated, severely comminuted, and located adjacent to the antebrachiocarpal joint. There have been few studies to improve upon the methods of stabilization of this type of fracture. External coaptation incorporating transfixation pins is one method that has been used to stabilize distal radial fractures in horses (1-3). The purpose of this preliminary study was to compare the load to failure in simulated weight-bearing of a novel ta...
Age-related expression of molecular regulators of hypertrophy and maturation in articular cartilage. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in the expression of regulatory molecules in normal equine articular cartilage throughout development up to 18 months of age. The hypothesis was that expression of these regulatory molecules would decrease from birth to postpubescence. Cartilage was harvested from normal femoropatellar or scapulohumeral joints from 34 fresh horse cadavers. Horses were placed in four age groups [prenatal (n = 5); prepubertal, 0-6 months (n = 11); pubertal, 7-14 months (n = 13); and postpubertal, 15-18 months (n = 5)]. Indian hedgehog (Ihh), Gli1, Gli3, Patched1...
Influence of electrode placement on effective field strength in the superficial digital flexor tendon of horses. To determine the relationship between the output of an electrical treatment device and the effective field strength in the superficial digital flexor tendon of horses. Methods: Cadaver horse forelimbs without visible defects (n = 8) and 1 live pony. Methods: Microcurrents were generated by a microcurrent electrical therapy device and applied in proximodistal, dorsopalmar, and mediolateral directions in the entire forelimbs, dissected tendons, and the pony with various output settings. Corresponding field strengths in the tendons were measured. Results: A linear relationship was detected betwee...
Comparison of arthroscopic approaches and accessible anatomic structures during arthroscopy of the caudal pouches of equine femorotibial joints. To (1) describe a caudal approach to equine medial and lateral femorotibial (FT) joints and (2) illustrate the complex anatomic detail of the caudal compartments of the lateral FT joint. Methods: Prospective experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine hindlimbs (n = 36; 26 horses) and 6 horses (11 hind limbs). Methods: Stifles (n = 8) were dissected and 10 FT joints were injected with silicone. Arthroscopic exploration (n = 29) was performed, followed by dissection to determine sites and structures penetrated during entry. Results: A more caudal approach to the caudal pouch of the medial FT ...
Arthroscopic approaches to the palmar aspect of the equine carpus. To identify sites for arthroscopic access to the palmar aspects of the antebrachiocarpal (AC) and middle carpal (MC) joints, and describe visible carpal bone surfaces for each approach. Methods: Prospective experimental study. Methods: Equine carpi: 16 cadavers, 8 live horses. Methods: A latex model was used to identify possible sites for arthroscopic access to the palmar aspects of the AC and MC joints. Carpi (n = 24) were examined arthroscopically and arthroscopic access sites and visible carpal bone surfaces were described. Results: Arthroscopic approaches and instrument portals were develo...
In vitro comparison of two techniques for suture prosthesis placement in the muscular process of the equine arytenoid cartilage. To compare in vitro the load necessary for a partial and complete rupture of the muscular process arytenoid cartilage when a suture prosthesis is positioned by a bone trocar versus a trocar point needle and to compare failure mode. Methods: Experimental using cadaver specimens. Methods: Larynges from 18 Thoroughbred race horses, aged 2-20 years. Methods: Arytenoid cartilages were separated randomly into 2 groups: group 1-suture prosthesis inserted directly through the muscular process using a curved trocar point needle and group 2-suture passed through a hole predrilled with a 3 mm bone trocar...