A method for fatigue testing of equine McIII subchondral bone under a simulated fast workout training programme.
Abstract: Standard fatigue testing of bone uses a single load and frequency applied until failure. However, in situ, the subchondral bone of Thoroughbred racehorses is subjected to a combination (or a spectrum) of loads and frequencies during training and racing. Objective: To investigate the use of a fatigue testing method for equine third metacarpal (McIII) subchondral bone under a spectrum of loading conditions which a racehorse is likely to experience during a fast workout. Methods: In vitro biomechanical experimental study. Methods: McIII subchondral bone specimens (n = 12) of racehorses were harvested from left and right medial condyles. A novel fatigue loading protocol was developed based upon a standard sequence of gaits during a typical fast workout protocol. This loading pattern, or loading loop, was repeated until the failure of the specimen. Results: The mean ± standard deviation for all specimens for total time-to-failure was 76,393 ± 64,243 s (equivalent to 18.3 ± 15.7 fast workouts). Ten of twelve specimens withstood at least one complete loop equivalent to a fast workout. All specimens failed during simulated gallop loading. Conclusions: The resting time between loops was much shorter than in vivo resting time and specimens were unconfined during compressive testing. Conclusions: This novel fatigue loading protocol more closely mimics in vivo fatigue loading of McIII subchondral bone and demonstrates the importance of the highest speeds in the development of subchondral bone injury.
© 2019 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2019-09-11 PubMed ID: 31403713DOI: 10.1111/evj.13163Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study introduces a new method for fatigue testing the third metacarpal bone in the horse, designed to replicate the range of forces a racehorse might experience during a rapid training session.
Objective and Significance
- The objective of the research was to design a fatigue testing method that mimics the diverse range of loads and frequencies experienced by the subchondral bone of the third metacarpal (McIII) in Thoroughbred racehorses during a fast workout.
- Existing fatigue tests apply a single load and frequency until bone failure, neglecting the multifaceted load conditions experienced by the subchondral bone in live horses.
- This research is significant as it offers a more accurate tool for predicting subchondral bone failure in equine athletes, potentially helping to prevent injuries.
Methodology
- Twelve McIII subchondral bone samples from racehorses were harvested from left and right medial condyles for the study.
- The researchers developed a novel fatigue loading protocol based on the typical sequence of gaits during a fast workout.
- This loading pattern, known as a loading loop, was repeated until the bone sample failed.
- The specimens were unconfined during compressive testing, and rest periods between loops were considerably shorter than actual resting periods for a live horse.
Results and Conclusion
- The mean time-to-failure for all specimens equated to roughly 18.3 fast workouts, with ten out of the twelve specimens managing to withstand at least one full loading loop equivalent to a fast workout session.
- All specimens failed during simulated gallop loading, highlighting the impact of high speeds on the development of subchondral bone injuries.
- The study concluded that this novel fatigue loading protocol offers a more realistic simulation of the fatigue imposed on the McIII subchondral bone in racehorses, thereby providing insights into the relationship between high-speed activities and subchondral bone injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Shaktivesh , Malekipour F, Whitton C, Lee PVS.
(2019).
A method for fatigue testing of equine McIII subchondral bone under a simulated fast workout training programme.
Equine Vet J, 52(2), 332-335.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13163 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Materials Testing / veterinary
- Metacarpal Bones
- Pressure
Grant Funding
- NA / Melbourne Research Scholarship
- Racing Victoria Limited
- Victorian Racing Industry Fund of the Victorian State Government
- University of Melbourne
References
This article includes 21 references
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