Construction of a Realistic, Whole-Body, Three-Dimensional Equine Skeletal Model using Computed Tomography Data.

The research revolves around the creation of a detailed and accurate three-dimensional model of a horse’s skeleton using computed tomography (CT) data. This model can be used to study conditions like osteoarthritis in horses by identifying biomechanical stress and posture dysfunction, offering pathways for preventative and rehabilitative therapies.

Methodology and Purpose

• The study uses a technique similar to those used for monitoring and preventing injuries in human athletes, looking at the whole-body biomechanics, and applies it to horses. The idea behind this methodology is that chronic postural dysfunction, which often leads to conditions like osteoarthritis, can be more accurately identified by studying the entire body’s biomechanics, rather than focusing on the immediate site of tissue injury.
• The researchers created a detailed, realistic model of a horse’s skeleton using CT data. To accomplish this, individual bones were reconstructed into 3D data sets using 3D visualization software and these individual reconstructions were assembled into a complete 3D skeletal model.

Findings and Applications

• Once created, this model was rigged and animated with 3D animation software. The resulting resource can aid in the characterization of equine postures associated with degenerative tissue changes, as well as in identifying postures that reduce mechanical stress at the sites of tissue injury.
• Extending this animation into a “4D” format (which includes time as the fourth dimension), demonstrates the movement of the equine skeleton in a healthy and unhealthy state. With this, individualized preventative and rehabilitative treatments can be devised for horses suffering from degenerative lamenesses.

Direction for Further Use and Research

• The equine skeletal model, once widely available for download, would require the user to have access to 3D animation and modeling software. This might pose a challenge to new users without prior experience, given the learning curve involved in mastering such software.
• The authors include a protocol guiding others to develop a similar model for other organisms, and to use the existing equine model to answer their own research queries.