Effect of sequential removal of parts of the second metacarpal bone on the biomechanical stability of the equine carpus.
Abstract: To quantify changes in biomechanical stability and stiffness within the equine carpus after removal of 50%, 80%, and 100% of the second metacarpal bone (MC2). Methods: In vitro biomechanical study. Methods: Cadaveric equine forelimbs (n = 16) were evaluated. Intact constructs were loaded in axial compression from 0 to 5000 N and compression + torsion (5000 N ± 20°) for 5 cycles. This was repeated after removal of 50%, 80%, and 100% of MC2. The primary biomechanical outcome variables were the compressive stiffness and compressive + torsional stiffness of the carpus. Relative kinematic motion was also evaluated between the second carpal bone (C2) and the radial carpal bone (RC), C2 and the third metacarpal bone (MC3) and C2 and the third carpal bone (C3). Results: A significant decrease in compressive + torsional stiffness was found after 100% removal of MC2. Compressive stiffness of the carpus did not change after 100% MC2 removal. A significant increase in relative rotation around the z-axis (rotation around the long axis) was observed for C2 versus MC3 and C2 versus C3 when 100% of MC2 was removed as compared to 80%, 50%, and 0% removal. No significant difference in relative rotation between C2 and RC was detected. Conclusions: The biomechanical results reported here suggest that the torsional stability of the equine carpus is significantly decreased only after complete resection of MC2.
© Copyright 2012 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Publication Date: 2012-06-25 PubMed ID: 22731834DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2012.01011.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study explores the impact of progressively removing parts of the second metacarpal bone (MC2) in horses on the biomechanical stability and stiffness of their carpus, a set of bones in the lower leg. The findings suggest that full removal of MC2 significantly affects the torsional stability of the equine carpus, while the compressive stiffness remains unaffected.
Methodology
- The researchers conducted an in vitro biomechanical study utilizing cadaveric equine forelimbs (16 in total).
- Each construct, while intact, was subjected to an axial compression ranging from 0 to 5000 N and compression along with torsion for 5 cycles.
- This process was repeated after the sequential removal of 50%, 80%, and 100% of the MC2 bone.
- The main biomechanical variables that were evaluated include the compressive stiffness and compressive plus torsional stiffness of the carpus.
Results
- Upon complete removal or 100% resection of the MC2, there was a significant decrease in the compressive plus torsional stiffness of the carpus.
- The compressive stiffness of the carpus did not show significant changes after 100% removal of MC2.
- A considerable increase in the relative rotation around the long axis was observed for the interrelation of the second carpal bone (C2) with both the third metacarpal (MC3) and the third carpal bone (C3) when 100% of MC2 was removed compared to when 0%, 50%, and 80% were removed.
- There was no pronounced difference in the relative rotation between C2 and the radial carpal bone (RC).
Conclusion
- The research suggests that the torsional stability of the equine carpus significantly decreases only after the complete removal of MC2, indicating the crucial role of MC2 in maintaining the torsional stability of the equine carpus.
Cite This Article
APA
Seabaugh KA, Hubert JD, Kawcak CE, McGilvray KC, Santoni BG, Rao S, Baxter GM.
(2012).
Effect of sequential removal of parts of the second metacarpal bone on the biomechanical stability of the equine carpus.
Vet Surg, 41(7), 862-868.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2012.01011.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. Katie.Seabaugh@colostate.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Cadaver
- Female
- Forelimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Metacarpal Bones / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Melly V, Ortved KF, Stewart HL, Stefanovski D, Richardson DW, Bubeck KA, Hogan PM, García-López JM. Plate fixation of small metacarpal and metatarsal bone fractures in 27 horses. Vet Surg 2025 Nov;54(8):1537-1548.
- Colla S, Johnson JW, McGilvray KC, Zanotto GM, Seabaugh KA. Biomechanical Assessment of the Collateral Ligament of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint of the Horse Following Alterations to the Palmar Angle-A Cadaveric Study. Animals (Basel) 2025 Feb 1;15(3).
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