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3D kinematics of the interphalangeal joints in the forelimb of walking and trotting horses.
Abstract: The objective was to measure 3D rotations of the distal (DIP) and proximal (PIP) interphalangeal joints at walk and trot. 3D trajectories of markers fixed to the proximal phalanx, middle phalanx and the hoof wall of the right forelimb of four sound horses were recorded at 120 Hz. Joint kinematics were calculated in terms of anatomically-based joint coordinate systems between the bone segments. Ranges of motion were similar at walk and trot. Values for the DIP joint were: flexion/extension: 46 +/- 3 degrees at walk, 47 +/- 4 degrees at trot; internal/external rotation: 5 +/- 1 degrees at walk, 6 +/- 3 degrees at trot; and adduction/abduction: 5 +/- 2 degrees at walk, 5 +/- 3 degrees at trot. Within each gait, kinematic profiles at the DIP joint were similar between horses with the exception of adduction/abduction during breakover, which may vary depending on the direction of hoof rotation over the toe. Knowledge of the types and amounts of motion at the DIP joint will be useful in understanding the aetiology and treatment of injuries to the soft tissues, which are being recognized more frequently through the use of sensitive imaging techniques. Ranges of motion for the PIP joint were: flexion/extension: 13 +/- 4 degrees at walk, 14 +/- 4 degrees at trot; adduction/abduction: 3 +/- 1 degrees at walk, 3 +/- 1 degrees at trot; and internal/external rotation: 3 +/- 1 degrees at walk, 4 +/- 1 degrees at trot. The PIP joint made a significant contribution to flexion/extension of the digit. During surgical arthrodesis, the angle of fusion may be important since loss of PIP joint extension in late stance is likely to be accommodated by increased extension of the DIP joint.
Publication Date: 2007-03-17 PubMed ID: 17364088 The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Evaluation Study
- Journal Article
Summary
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The study aims to analyze the three-dimensional movements of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints – the joints connecting the finger-like sections of a horse’s leg – during both walking and trotting. The findings could provide valuable insights into common joint injuries and their treatments.
Research Methodology
- The study tracked the 3D movements of markers attached to the proximal phalanx, middle phalanx, and hoof wall of the right forelimb of four healthy horses.
- The markers were monitored at 120Hz to capture detailed data on joint movements.
- The team then used joint coordinate systems, anatomically based on the horses’ bone segments, to calculate the joint kinematics.
Findings
- The research found that the ranges of motion for both the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints were similar during both walking and trotting.
- The distal interphalangeal joint values were observed as follow:
- Flexion/extension: 46 +/- 3 degrees while walking, and 47 +/- 4 degrees while trotting
- Internal/external rotation: 5 +/- 1 degrees while walking, and 6 +/- 3 degrees while trotting
- Adduction/abduction: 5 +/- 2 degrees while walking, and 5 +/- 3 degrees while trotting
- However, variances were observed during breakover, or when the hoof rotates over the digit’s tip. This discrepancy may impact one’s understanding of the joint’s adduction/abduction movements.
- The proximal interphalangeal joint values were observed as follow:
- Flexion/extension: 13 +/- 4 degrees while walking, and 14 +/- 4 degrees while trotting
- Adduction/abduction: 3 +/- 1 degrees while walking, and 3 +/- 1 degrees while trotting
- Internal/external rotation: 3 +/- 1 degrees while walking, and 4 +/- 1 degrees while trotting
Implications
- The results contribute to the understanding of the aetiology (causality) and treatment of equine joint injuries, which are increasingly being recognized due to advancements in imaging techniques.
- During surgical procedures to fuse a joint together (arthrodesis), the fusion angle could be pivotal. A significant loss of extension in the proximal interphalangeal joint during late stance can lead to increased extension in the distal interphalangeal joint.
Cite This Article
APA
Clayton HM, Sha DH, Stick JA, Robinson P.
(2007).
3D kinematics of the interphalangeal joints in the forelimb of walking and trotting horses.
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol, 20(1), 1-7.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Mary Anne McPhail Equine Performance Center, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA. claytonh@cvm.msu.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Exercise Test / veterinary
- Forelimb / physiology
- Hoof and Claw / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Range of Motion, Articular
- Running / physiology
- Toe Joint / physiology
- Walking / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Santosuosso E, Leguillette R, Vinardell T, Filho S, Massie S, McCrae P, Johnson S, Rolian C, David F. Kinematic Analysis During Straight Line Free Swimming in Horses: Part 2 - Hindlimbs. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:761500.
- Brown NP, Bertocci GE, Cheffer KA, Howland DR. A three dimensional multiplane kinematic model for bilateral hind limb gait analysis in cats. PLoS One 2018;13(8):e0197837.
- Panagiotopoulou O, Rankin JW, Gatesy SM, Hutchinson JR. A preliminary case study of the effect of shoe-wearing on the biomechanics of a horse's foot. PeerJ 2016;4:e2164.
- Wiggers N, Nauwelaerts SL, Hobbs SJ, Bool S, Wolschrijn CF, Back W. Functional locomotor consequences of uneven forefeet for trot symmetry in individual riding horses. PLoS One 2015;10(2):e0114836.
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