Development and validation of a series of three-dimensional finite element models of the equine metacarpus.
Abstract: Three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of the left metacarpi of five adult horses were developed from quantitative computed tomography data, using the algorithms of Keyak et al. (1990, J Biomed. Engng 12, 389-397). The metacarpi were then equipped with 12 rosette strain gauges and loaded non-destructively in a mechanical testing machine. The bones and the models were loaded in axial compression, with the load evenly distributed across the distal row of carpal bones, and with a point load placed mediad to the sagittal midline, to a load equivalent to three times body weight (-15 kN); and in sagittal four-point bending to -2 kN. Maximum and minimum principal strains from the models were compared with those at the strain gauge rosettes. There were significant (p < 0.001) and strong (0.69 < r < 0.90) correlations between predicted and observed surface principal strains, most often resolving as second- or third-order polynomial relationships. In most cases, particularly at extreme strain magnitudes, the models tended to overestimate the observed strain magnitudes. These data suggest that the models are robust and accurate predictors of surface strains. Validation of these models lends further support for the use of this method of automated three-dimensional FE modeling, with its emphasis on accurate, individualized portrayal of structural geometry and material distribution, in research applications, and specifically for the use of these models in the study of the biology and mechanics of the equine metacarpus.
Publication Date: 1997-07-01 PubMed ID: 9239555DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9290(97)00007-9Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
Summary
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The research article presents the development and validation of three-dimensional finite element models of a horse’s metacarpus (long bone in the front limb) under specific loading conditions, highlighting the model’s potential applications in research studies involved with equine metacarpus biology and mechanics.
Model Development
- The researchers developed three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of the left metacarpi of five adult horses. These models were based on quantitative computed tomography data, using algorithms previously established by Keyak and colleagues in 1990.
- The metacarpi in these models were outfitted with 12 rosette strain gauges, a tool for measuring strain on a surface, and tested under non-destructive conditions in a mechanical testing machine.
Loading Conditions
- Loading conditions were applied to the bones and models, which involved axial compression (load along the length of the bone) with an evenly distributed load across the distal row of carpal bones and a point load placed medial to the sagittal midline.
- The axial compression was equivalent to three times the body weight of the horses (around -15 kN), while a sagittal four-point bending load of -2 kN was also applied.
Model Evaluation and Validation
- The research went on to compare maximum and minimum principal strains (the normal strain occurring along an axis) from the models with those corresponding to the strain gauge rosettes on the real bones.
- Statistical analyses found significant correlations between the predicted and the observed surface principal strains, often revealing as second- or third-order polynomial relationships. Here, strong correlation coefficients ranging from 0.69 to 0.90 indicated prediction accuracy.
- However, models seemed to overestimate the observed strain magnitudes, particularly at extreme strain magnitudes.
- Despite this, collected data suggests the robustness and accuracy of these models in predicting surface strains, validating the use of such automated three-dimensional FE modeling techniques.
Research Application
- The models emphasize an accurate, individualized portrayal of structural geometry and material distribution, making them suitable for research applications.
- Specifically, this study validates these models for use in research involving the study of the biology and mechanics of the equine metacarpus. Applications of this could include understanding disease, adaptability, and injury mechanisms in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Les CM, Keyak JH, Stover SM, Taylor KT.
(1997).
Development and validation of a series of three-dimensional finite element models of the equine metacarpus.
J Biomech, 30(7), 737-742.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0021-9290(97)00007-9 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616-8732, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Compressive Strength
- Female
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Metacarpus / physiology
- Models, Anatomic
- Models, Theoretical
- Reproducibility of Results
- Stress, Mechanical
- Weight-Bearing / physiology
Grant Funding
- AR08180 / NIAMS NIH HHS
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- McCarty CA, Thomason JJ, Gordon KD, Burkhart TA, Milner JS, Holdsworth DW. Finite-Element Analysis of Bone Stresses on Primary Impact in a Large-Animal Model: The Distal End of the Equine Third Metacarpal. PLoS One 2016;11(7):e0159541.
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