FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Frontiers in veterinary science2025; 12; 1524549; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1524549

Casting techniques of equine hand and foot synovial cavities for the development of teaching models.

Abstract: Horse joints are common sites of injury, orthopedic issues, and surgical and clinical interventions. For this reason, a thorough understanding of joint anatomy, including the boundaries of their recesses and their relationships with other structures of the locomotor apparatus, is essential. This study aimed to develop cast anatomical models of the synovial structures of the equine hand and foot, compare different casting materials and visualization methods, and identify the most suitable technique for enhancing the understanding of equine limb arthrology. Additionally, an anatomical description of the synovial structures was performed to evaluate whether all relevant structures were adequately visualized using these techniques. We employed a combination of techniques, using various casting materials (methyl methacrylate, flexible epoxy resin, Smooth Cast® 300, and latex), biological maceration using dermestid beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), and dissection to visualize the cavities of the carpus, tarsus, metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal joint. Also, the tendon sheaths of the digital flexors, extensor carpi radialis, and lateral digital flexor muscles were cast, and the podotrochlear and calcaneal subtendinous bursa were also injected. Three casting models of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints underwent natural maceration using dermestid beetles, while the remaining joints and structures were dissected. All joints, bursa, and tendon sheaths were successfully filled with varying amounts of polymers. We concluded that joint casting is an effective and straightforward technique for producing models that enhance the understanding of the capacity and boundaries of these cavities, thereby facilitating the teaching of veterinary arthrology. We recommend methyl methacrylate as the most suitable casting material due to its ability to fill smaller cavities effectively and latex as a cost-effective option that yields good results in larger cavities. We advocate for the use of biological maceration because it avoids the use of chemicals that generate waste and toxic vapors. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of these models in enhancing the learning experience for students.
Copyright © 2025 Velásquez, Tamayo-Arango, Santos-Silva and Miglino.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2025-03-04 PubMed ID: 40104547PubMed Central: PMC11914142DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1524549Google Scholar: Lookup
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.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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 paper focuses on creating anatomical cast models of horse joints, comparing different materials and methods used for casting, and identifying the most effective technique to aid veterinary arthrology education.

Objectives of the Study

  • The main goal of this study was to develop detailed cast models of equine joints, specifically of the synovial structures found in the horse’s hand and foot.
  • The research was conducted to compare different casting materials and visualization methodologies and to identify the most effective method to aid the comprehension of equine limb arthrology.
  • The researchers provided an anatomical description of the synovial structures to evaluate if all important structures were properly visualized using these techniques.

Methodology

  • Various casting materials were utilized, including methyl methacrylate, flexible epoxy resin, Smooth Cast® 300, and latex.
  • Biological maceration process using dermestid beetles was employed, as well as dissection, to reveal the cavities of the carpus, tarsus, metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeal joints.
  • The tendon sheaths of several muscles were cast, and podotrochlear and calcaneal subtendinous bursa were also injected.
  • Three casting models of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints underwent natural maceration using dermestid beetles, while the other joints and structures were dissected.

Results and Conclusion

  • All joints, tendon sheaths, and bursa were successfully filled with varying quantities of polymers.
  • The study concluded that joint casting is an effective method for creating models that improve the understanding of the capacity and boundaries of these cavities. This, in turn, can facilitate the teaching of veterinary arthrology.
  • Methyl methacrylate was recommended as the most suitable casting material due to its effectiveness in filling smaller cavities, while latex was suggested as a cost-effective option for larger cavities.

Recommended Further Research

  • The authors suggest the use of biological maceration which avoids the use of harmful chemicals that can create waste and toxic fumes.
  • Further studies should examine how effective these models are in enhancing students’ learning experience within the field of veterinary arthrology.

Cite This Article

APA
Velásquez JM, Tamayo-Arango L, Santos-Silva T, Miglino MA. (2025). Casting techniques of equine hand and foot synovial cavities for the development of teaching models. Front Vet Sci, 12, 1524549. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1524549

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Pages: 1524549

Researcher Affiliations

Velásquez, José Miguel
  • Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Tamayo-Arango, Lynda
  • Grupo de Investigación CIBAV, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Santos-Silva, Thamires
  • Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Miglino, Maria Angelica
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Marília, Medellín, Brazil.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

References

This article includes 41 references
  1. Judy CE, Van Amstel S. Musculoskeletal Abnormalities. Large Animal Internal Medicine Elsevier Health Sciences; St Louis, Missouri (2014). 197–213.
  2. Ujueta Rodríguez SS. Análisis de la casuística equina del área de Grandes Animales de la Clínica Veterinaria U.D.C.A, Bogotá, Colombia. Rev UDCA Actual Divulg Científica (2019) 22:1–11.
    doi: 10.31910/rudca.v22.n1.2019.1219google scholar: lookup
  3. Baxter GM. Fundamentals of lameness diagnosis. Manual of equine lameness Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley-Blackwell; (2011). 65–82.
  4. König HE, Liebich H-G. Introduction and general anatomy. Veterinary anatomy of domestic animals - textbook and colour atlas Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme; (2020). 27–43.
  5. Dyce KM, Sack WO, Wensing CJG. Some basic facts and concepts - joints. Textbook of veterinary anatomy St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences; (2009). 47–55.
  6. De Sordi N, Bombardi C, Chiocchetti R, Clavenzani P, Trerè C, Canova M. A new method of producing casts for anatomical studies. Anat Sci Int (2014) 89:255–65.
    doi: 10.1007/s12565-014-0240-3pubmed: 24788383google scholar: lookup
  7. Cornillie P, Casteleyn C, von Horst C, Henry R. Corrosion casting in anatomy: visualizing the architecture of hollow structures and surface details. J Vet Med Ser C Anat Histol Embryol (2019) 48:591–604.
    doi: 10.1111/ahe.12450pubmed: 31120632google scholar: lookup
  8. de Oliveira MB. Methods of biological maceration in the preparation of bat skulls: benefits and limitations. Pap Avulsos Zool (2018) 58:e20185844.
    doi: 10.11606/1807-0205/2018.58.44google scholar: lookup
  9. Rueda-Esteban RJ, López McCormick JS, Martínez Prieto DR, Hernández Restrepo JD. Corrosion casting, a known technique for the study and teaching of vascular and duct structure in anatomy. Int J Morphol (2017) 35:1147–53.
    doi: 10.4067/S0717-95022017000300053google scholar: lookup
  10. McIlwraith CW, Nixon AJ, Wright IM. Diagnostic and surgical arthroscopy in the horse. 4th ed China: Elsevier. (2015).
  11. Tamayo-Arango L, Garzón-Alzate A. Preservation of animal cadavers with a formaldehyde-free solution for gross anatomy. J Morphol Sci (2018) 35:136–41.
    doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1669434pubmed: 0google scholar: lookup
  12. Eberlova L, Liska V, Mirka H, Gregor T, Tonar Z, Palek R. Porcine liver vascular bed in Biodur E20 corrosion casts. Folia Morphol (Warsz) (2016) 75:154–61.
    doi: 10.5603/FM.a2015.0094pubmed: 26542961google scholar: lookup
  13. Matusz P, Latcu S, Sora MC, Hoinoiu B, Bedreag O, Pirtea L. Achievement and using ex-situ pig renal corrosion casts in training of the medical students and residents. Mater Plast (2015) 52:230–3.
  14. Simoens P, Muylle S, Lauwers H. Anatomy of the ocular arteries in the horse. Equine Vet J (1996) 28:360–7.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1996.tb03106.xpubmed: 8894533google scholar: lookup
  15. Madrahimov N, Dirsch O, Broelsch C, Dahmen U. Marginal hepatectomy in the rat: from anatomy to surgery. Ann Surg (2006) 244:89–98.
    doi: 10.1097/01.sla.0000218093.12408.0fpmc: PMC1570604pubmed: 16794393google scholar: lookup
  16. Casteleyn C, Trachet B, Van Loo D, Devos DGH, Van den Broeck W, Simoens P. Validation of the murine aortic arch as a model to study human vascular diseases. J Anat (2010) 216:563–71.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2010.01220.xpmc: PMC2871992pubmed: 20345858google scholar: lookup
  17. Babptiste KE, Holladay SD, Freeman LE. Alterations in equine guttural pouch morphology with head position: observations using a new technique for producing accurate casts. Anat Rec (1996) 246:579–84.
    doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0185(199612)246:4<579::AID-AR19>3.0.CO;2-Lpubmed: 8955799google scholar: lookup
  18. Lardé H, Nichols S, Babkine M, Desrochers A. Arthroscopic approach and intra-articular anatomy of the dorsal and plantar synovial compartments of the bovine tarsocrural joint. Vet Surg (2017) 46:145–57.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.12591pubmed: 28052415google scholar: lookup
  19. Lardé H, Nichols S, Babkine M, Desrochers A. Dorsal arthroscopic approach and intra-articular anatomy of the bovine Antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints. Vet Surg (2016) 45:609–18.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.12488pubmed: 27265238google scholar: lookup
  20. Hagag U, Tawfiek MG, Brehm W. Palmar arthroscopic approach and intra-articular anatomy of the bovine carpal joints. Vet Surg (2019) 48:537–45.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.13149pubmed: 30623470google scholar: lookup
  21. Desrochers A, St-Jean G, Cash WC, Hoskinson JJ, DeBowes RM. Characterization of anatomic communications among the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal, and carpometacarpal joints in cattle, using intra-articular latex, positive-contrast arthrography, and fluoroscopy. Am J Vet Res (1997) 58:7–10.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.1997.58.01.7pubmed: 8989488google scholar: lookup
  22. Desrochers A, St-Jean G, Cash WC, Hoskinson JJ, DeBowes RM. Characterization of anatomic communications between the femoropatellar joint and lateral and medial femorotibial joints in cattle, using intra-articular latex, positive contrast arthrography, and fluoroscopy. Am J Vet Res (1996) 57:798–802.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.1996.57.06.798pubmed: 8725802google scholar: lookup
  23. Dyson S. Intra-articular anaesthesia of the equine hock. In Pract (1985) 7:92–6.
    doi: 10.1136/inpract.7.3.92pubmed: 4018879google scholar: lookup
  24. Alsafy MAM, El-Gendy SA, Kamal B. Morphological, radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the one-humped camel. J Vet Med Ser C Anat Histol Embryol (2018) 47:537–43.
    doi: 10.1111/ahe.12394pubmed: 30079580google scholar: lookup
  25. Bianchi PKFC, Martins EAN, Portugal E, Júnior JRK, Gonçalez PO. Descrição anatômica da articulação metacarpo-falângica em ovinos. Pesqui Vet Bras (2013) 33:15–9.
    doi: 10.1590/S0100-736X2013001300003google scholar: lookup
  26. Desrochers A, St-Jean G, Cash WC, Hoskinson JJ, DeBowes RM. Characterization of anatomic communications of the fetlock in cattle, using intra-articular latex injection and positive-contrast arthrography. Am J Vet Res (1997) 58:710–2.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.1997.58.07.710pubmed: 9215444google scholar: lookup
  27. Semevolos SA, Cope RB. Determination of the anatomic communications among compartments within the carpus, metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints, stifle joint, and tarsus in llamas. Am J Vet Res (2005) 66:1437–40.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.1437pubmed: 16173490google scholar: lookup
  28. Cheetham J, Nixon AJ. Arthroscopic approaches to the palmar aspect of the equine carpus. Vet Surg (2006) 35:227–31.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2006.00141.xpubmed: 16635001google scholar: lookup
  29. El-Bably SH. Ultrasonographic anatomy of the equine carpal region (Equus caballus). Int J Vet Sci (2018) 7:44–9.
  30. Alsafy MAM, El-Gendy SAA, Abou-Ahmed HM. The carpal joint of the donkey (Equus asinus): morphological investigation Articulación del Carpo del Asno (Equus asinus): Investigación Morfológica. Int J Morphol (2015) 33:948–54.
    doi: 10.4067/S0717-95022015000300023google scholar: lookup
  31. Amin M, Elbakary R, Alsafy M, Fathi N. Radiographic and computed tomographic anatomy of the fetlock, pastern and coffin joints of the Manus of the donkey (Equus asinus). Alexandria J Vet Sci (2014) 41:68.
    doi: 10.5455/ajvs.156620google scholar: lookup
  32. Kamm JL, Goodrich LR, Werpy NM, Mcilwraith CW. A descriptive study of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint using magnetic resonance imaging, contrast arthrography, and arthroscopy. Vet Surg (2012) 41:677–84.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2012.00981.xpubmed: 22882607google scholar: lookup
  33. König HE, Liebich H-G. Forelimbs or thoracic limbs. Veterinary anatomy of domestic animals - textbook and colour atlas Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme; (2020). 171–242.
  34. Radcliffe RM, Cheetham J, Bezuidenhout AJ, Ducharme NG, Nixon AJ. Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal joint in four horses. Vet Surg (2008) 37:733–40.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00440.xpubmed: 19121168google scholar: lookup
  35. Vanderperren K, Ghaye B, Snaps FR, Saunders JH. Evaluation of computed tomographic anatomy of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint. Am J Vet Res (2008) 69:631–8.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.69.5.631pubmed: 18447794google scholar: lookup
  36. Muñoz-saba Y, Sánchez-Nivicela JC, Sierra-durán CM, Vieda-ortega JC, Amat-garcía G, Munoz R. Cleaning osteological specimens with beetles of the genus Dermestes Linnaeus, 1758 Coleoptera: Dermestidae; ). (2020); 1758: 72–82.
  37. Rodrigues ABF, Lima ACQ, Bogossian PM, Rocha VN. Utilização de coleópteros na preparação de material osteológico. Pubvet (2012) 6:6.
    doi: 10.22256/pubvet.v16n3.1281google scholar: lookup
  38. Ford TS, Ross MW, Orsini PG. Communications and boundaries of the middle carpal and carpometacarpal joints in horses. Am J Vet Res (1988) 49:2161–4.
    pubmed: 3239852
  39. Kümmerle JM, Kummer MR. Arthroscopically accessible anatomy of the tarsal collateral ligaments in the horse. Vet Surg (2013) 42:267–74.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2013.01100.xpubmed: 23373856google scholar: lookup
  40. Bowker RM, Linder K, Van Wulfen KK, Sonea IM. Anatomy of the distal interphalangeal joint of the mature horse: relationships with navicular suspensory ligaments, sensory nerves and neurovascular bundle. Equine Vet J (1997) 29:126–35.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb01654.xpubmed: 9104562google scholar: lookup
  41. Post EM, Singer ER, Clegg PD. An anatomic study of the calcaneal bursae in the horse. Vet Surg (2007) 36:3–9.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2007.00229.xpubmed: 17214814google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,727 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.