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Journal of biomechanics1983; 16(8); 565-576; doi: 10.1016/0021-9290(83)90107-0

Bone stress in the horse forelimb during locomotion at different gaits: a comparison of two experimental methods.

Abstract: Longitudinal stresses acting in the cranial and caudal cortices of the radius and the dorsal and palmar cortices of the metacarpus in the horse were determined using two independent methods simultaneously. One approach involved the use of rosette strain gauges to record in vivo bone strain; the other involved filming the position of the horse's forelimb as it passed over a force plate. Agreement between the two analyses was better for the radius than for the metacarpus. Both methods showed the radius to be loaded primarily in sagittal bending, acting to place the caudal cortex in compression and the cranial cortex in tension. At each gait the magnitude of peak stress in each cortex based on the film/force analysis was 1.5-2 times higher than that determined from the bone strain recordings. In the metacarpus, the magnitude of stress in each cortex calculated from the film/force method was 2-3 times greater at each gait than that shown by the bone strain recordings. However, whereas the film/force analysis indicated that the metacarpus was loaded in sagittal bending (acting to place the palmar cortex in compression and the dorsal cortex in tension), the bone strain recordings showed the metacarpus to be loaded primarily in axial compression at each gait. Because the film/force method depends on an accurate measure of limb segment orientation relative to the direction of ground reaction force, comparatively small errors in calculations of bending moments may lead to a significant difference in the level and distribution of stress determined to act in the bone's cortices. The discrepancy in metacarpal loading obtained by the two methods may be explained in part by the simplicity of the biomechanical model which, for instance, neglected the force exerted by the sesamoids on the distal end of the metacarpus. The records of stress determined from the in vivo bone strain recordings showed that each bone was subjected to a consistent loading regime despite changes of gait. Such a consistent strain distribution should allow these bones to maximize economy in the use of tissue required to support the dynamic loads applied. Peak stresses measured from the bone strain recordings in the radius during locomotion at constant speed (-40.8 +/- 4.1 MN m-2) were significantly larger than those in the metacarpus (-25.1 +/- 2.8 MN m-2), regardless of speed and gait. During acceleration and deceleration, however, peak stress rose dramatically in the metacarpus (-40.6 +/- 3.4 MN m-2) but remained constant in the radius (-37.8 +/- 5.8 MN m-2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Publication Date: 1983-01-01 PubMed ID: 6643529DOI: 10.1016/0021-9290(83)90107-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support
  • U.S. Gov't
  • P.H.S.

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates how the bones in a horse’s forelimb respond to stress during movement at different gaits. Two separate experimental methods were used with the conclusions varying more for the results concerning the metacarpus than the radius.

Objective of the Research

  • The research was aimed at determining the longitudinal stresses present in various parts of a horse’s forelimb during movement at different speeds (gaits).

Approach and Methods Used in the Research

  • The researchers used two independent methods to analyze the stress on the horse forelimb. One involved the usage of rosette strain gauges to measure the in vivo bone strain during locomotion, and the other method used a film/force plate analysis.
  • The film/force plate analysis involved capturing the horse’s forelimb position as it moved over a force plate. This method relies on accurate limb segment orientation relative to ground reaction force and computational calculations.

Comparison and Findings between the Two Methods

  • The results obtained from both methods regarding the radius – one of the main bones in the horse’s leg – were more consistent when compared to the results for the metacarpus (another important bone in a horse’s leg).
  • The disparity in results from the metacarpus might have been caused by the simplicity of the biomechanical model used in the film/force method, which may have neglected certain influential factors like the force exerted by sesamoids on the distal end of the metacarpus.
  • Both methods revealed that the cranial cortex of the radius undergoes tension, while its caudal cortex undergoes compression. The film/force method suggested sagittal bending in the metacarpus, resulting in palmar cortex compression and dorsal cortex tension. However, in vivo bone strain measurements suggested axial compression in the metacarpus.
  • Peak stress according to the film/force analysis was 1.5-2 times and 2-3 times greater than those of the in vivo strain recording for the radius and metacarpus respectively.

Implications and Conclusions of the Research

  • The measurements made from in vivo bone strain recordings showed a consistent loading regime on each bone, even as the gait of the horse changed. This information is significant as it implies that these bones have an ability to economically use tissue for supporting the applied dynamic loads.
  • The research found the peak stress values measured from the radius were significantly higher than those of the metacarpus at constant speed. However, during acceleration and deceleration, peak stress in the metacarpus rose dramatically, while that in the radius remained constant.

In conclusion, the study highlighted the value of accurate and comprehensive computational models in movement studies, the complexity of equine biomechanics, and the influence of movement speed and direction changes on equine bone stress.

Cite This Article

APA
Biewener AA, Thomason J, Goodship A, Lanyon LE. (1983). Bone stress in the horse forelimb during locomotion at different gaits: a comparison of two experimental methods. J Biomech, 16(8), 565-576. https://doi.org/10.1016/0021-9290(83)90107-0

Publication

Journal of biomechanics
ISSN: 0021-9290
NlmUniqueID: 0157375
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 8
Pages: 565-576

Researcher Affiliations

Biewener, A A
    Thomason, J
      Goodship, A
        Lanyon, L E

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Forelimb / anatomy & histology
          • Gait
          • Horses / physiology
          • Locomotion
          • Metacarpus / anatomy & histology
          • Metacarpus / physiology
          • Methods
          • Radius / anatomy & histology
          • Radius / physiology
          • Stress, Mechanical

          Grant Funding

          • AM18140 / NIADDK NIH HHS
          • T32GM07117-04 / NIGMS NIH HHS

          Citations

          This article has been cited 27 times.
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