Effect of heel elevation on forelimb conformation in horses.
Abstract: To determine the conformational changes in the distal forelimb of horses following heel elevation of 15 degrees and greater. An experimental study with repeated, within-horse measurements. Methods: Five clinically normal, mixed-breed horses were used to determine distal forelimb conformation following heel elevation from 0 to 45 degrees in 15 degree increments. Data were also compared to conformation of the limb in a Kimzey splint. Conformation was determined using lateral to medial radiographic projections. Conformation parameters assessed included measurement of apparent lengths of digital flexor tendons from the origin of their accessory ligaments to the points of insertion, and the joint angles of the distal limb. Results: For angles of heel elevation from 15 to 45 degrees, the degree of joint angulation increased (increasing flexion) with heel elevation for the metacarpophalangeal, and proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. Conversely, the measured apparent lengths of the digital flexor tendons in the distal limb, decreased. Conclusions: The data supports the practice of elevating the heel (greater than 15 degrees) for conditions in which decreased fetlock extension may be desired such as with laceration or injury to the digital flexor tendons. Further study is required to determine whether heel elevation greater than 15 degrees reduces in vivo digital flexor tendon tension and also to ensure that the marked flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint with greater heel elevation is not detrimental over a prolonged period that may be required for the rehabilitation of flexor tendon injuries in the horse.
Publication Date: 2004-10-14 PubMed ID: 15478728DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2004.tb11202.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research investigates the changes in the forelimb structure of horses when their heels are elevated at angles greater than 15 degrees. The study suggests that this practice can be beneficial in certain circumstances such as injuries to the digital flexor tendons.
Research Methodology
- Five clinically normal, mixed-breed horses were used as subjects for this experimental study. The same tests were repeated on the same horses to ensure consistency in the results.
- The horses’ heel elevation was gradually increased from 0 to 45 degrees in 15 degree increments.
- Data was gathered by taking radiographic projections from the lateral to medial view.
- The parameters assessed included the apparent lengths of digital flexor tendons from the origin of accessory ligaments to the points of insertion, and the joint angles of the distal limb.
Research Results
- For all angles of heel elevation from 15 to 45 degrees, the degree of joint angulation increased, indicating an increase in flexion. This was observed for the metacarpophalangeal and proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.
- However, the apparent lengths of the digital flexor tendons in the distal limb decreased.
Conclusion
- The data from this research supports the practice of elevating the heel to an angle greater than 15 degrees for certain conditions where reduced fetlock extension may be beneficial, such as in cases of laceration or injury to the digital flexor tendons.
- The research also suggests the need for further study to determine whether heel elevation greater than 15 degrees reduces in vivo digital flexor tendon tension.
- Further investigation is also needed to ensure that the marked flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint with greater heel elevation does not cause harm over a prolonged period. This is particularly relevant for the rehabilitation process of flexor tendon injuries in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Pearce SG, Boure LP, Bolger A, Thomason JJ, Dobson H.
(2004).
Effect of heel elevation on forelimb conformation in horses.
Aust Vet J, 82(9), 558-562.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2004.tb11202.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Female
- Forelimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Ligaments / physiology
- Locomotion / physiology
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint / physiology
- Reference Values
- Tendons / physiology
- Weight-Bearing / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Shaw KA, Brounts SH. The effect of heel elevation on the stiffness gradient index of the digital flexor tendons in the equine forelimb of clinically normal horses. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1610788.
- Van Cauter R, Caudron I, Lejeune JP, Rousset A, Serteyn D. Distal sagittal forelimb conformation in young Walloon horses: Radiographic assessment and its relationship with osteochondral fragments. PLoS One 2024;19(10):e0311965.
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