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Home / Equine Research Bank / Anat Histol Embryol / Computed tomographic study analysing functional biomechanics...
Anatomia, histologia, embryologia2024; 53(1); e13016; doi: 10.1111/ahe.13016

Computed tomographic study analysing functional biomechanics in the thoracolumbar spine of horses with and without spinal pathology.

Abstract: To better understand physiological and pathological movement patterns in the equine thoracolumbar spine, investigation of the biomechanics on a segmental level requires a constant moment. A constant moment along the spinal column means that the same torque acts on each vertebral segment, allowing the range of motion of different segments to be compared. The aims of this study were to investigate the range of motion of the equine thoracolumbar spine in horses with and without spinal pathology and to examine whether the pressure between the spinous processes depends on the direction of the applied moment. Thoracolumbar spine specimens (T8-L4) of 23 horses were mounted in a custom-made mechanical test rig to investigate spinal biomechanics during lateral bending, axial rotation, flexion and extension using computed tomographic imaging. Results were compared between horses with spondylosis, overriding spinous processes and specimens free of gross pathology. The interspinous space pressure was additionally determined using a foil sensor. The median lateral bending between T9 and L3 was 3.7°-4.1° (IQR 5.4°-8.0°). Maximum rotational movement with inconsistent coupled motion was observed at T9-T16 (p < 0.05). The dorsoventral range of motion was greatest in segments T9-T11 (p < 0.05). Spondylosis and overriding spinous processes restricted spinal mobility, depending on the severity of the condition. There was no significant difference in interspinous pressure during motion (p = 0.54). The biomechanical study confirmed that the range of motion of intervertebral joints depends on the anatomical position of the joint and the direction of the moment applied. Restricted mobility was evident in the presence of different grades of overriding spinous processes or spondylosis. A better understanding of equine spinal biomechanics in horses with spinal pathology facilitates individual rehabilitation.
© 2024 The Authors. Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2024-01-17 PubMed ID: 38230834DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13016Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 study evaluates how spinal disorders impact movement in the thoracolumbar spine of horses. By using computed tomographic imaging, the researchers were able to compare movement in healthy horses with those suffering from spine pathologies, offering insights for improved rehabilitation techniques.

Research Methodology and Structure

  • The researchers used thoracolumbar spine specimens from 23 horses, of which some were healthy while others suffered from spinal diseases like spondylosis. The specimen was analysed using a specially devised mechanical test rig. The scope of the analysis covered lateral bending, axial rotation, flexion, and extension movements of the spine.
  • Computed tomographic imaging was used to conduct this research. This method allowed a more detailed and analytical study of the biomechanics of the equine thoracolumbar spine.
  • Along with movement patterns, the team also investigated the pressure between the spinous processes. This was done using a foil sensor which measured the interspinous space pressure.

Results and Observations

  • The data showed that the median lateral bending between the vertebrae ranged from 3.7°-4.1°. The maximum rotational motion was observed at T9-T16 vertebrae, whereas, the dorsoventral range of motion was highest in segments T9-T11.
  • Pathological conditions such as spondylosis and overriding spinous processes were observed to restrict spinal mobility. However, the level of restriction highly depended on the severity of the condition.
  • The interspinous pressure during movement showed no significant difference, as per the data collected.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The study confirmed that the range of motion of intervertebral joints depends significantly on the anatomical position of the joint and the direction of the moment applied.
  • Spinal conditions such as spondylosis and overriding spinous processes were found to restrict mobility in horses. However, the severity of these conditions was directly proportionate to the level of mobility restriction.
  • The research offers valuable insights into the movement patterns of horses with spinal pathologies. This can contribute significantly to devising effective rehabilitation techniques for horses suffering from spinal disorders.

Cite This Article

APA
Baudisch N, Schneidewind L, Becke S, Keller M, Overhoff M, Tettke D, Gruben V, Eichler F, Meyer HJ, Lischer C, Ehrle A. (2024). Computed tomographic study analysing functional biomechanics in the thoracolumbar spine of horses with and without spinal pathology. Anat Histol Embryol, 53(1), e13016. https://doi.org/10.1111/ahe.13016

Publication

Anatomia, histologia, embryologia
ISSN: 1439-0264
NlmUniqueID: 7704218
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 1
Pages: e13016

Researcher Affiliations

Baudisch, Natalie
  • Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
Schneidewind, Lukas
  • Chair Machinery System Design, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Becke, Sophie
  • Chair Machinery System Design, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Keller, Max
  • Chair Machinery System Design, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Overhoff, Milena
  • Chair Machinery System Design, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Tettke, Dennis
  • Chair Machinery System Design, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Gruben, Viola
  • Faculty of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics, University of Applied Sciences Aachen, Jülich, Germany.
Eichler, Fabienne
  • Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
Meyer, Henning Jürgen
  • Chair Machinery System Design, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Lischer, Christoph
  • Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
Ehrle, Anna
  • Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Berlin, Germany.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Spine / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Spondylosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Spondylosis / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases

Grant Funding

  • Akademie fu00fcr Tiergesundheit
  • Verein zur Fu00f6rderung der Forschung im Pferdesport e.V.
  • Elsa-Neumann-Scholarship
  • Gesellschaft zur Fu00f6rderung der Forschung um das Pferd e.V.

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