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Journal of anatomy2007; 210(5); 583-591; doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00714.x

Effect of toe and heel elevation on calculated tendon strains in the horse and the influence of the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Abstract: The sagittal alteration of hoof balance is a common intervention in horses, with corrective shoeing being one of the most frequently applied methods of managing tendonitis. However, the effect of toe or heel elevation on tendon strains is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the effect of toe and heel wedges on the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, and the third interosseous muscle or suspensory ligament strains using in vivo data and an accurate subject-specific model. Kinematic data were recorded using invasive markers at the walk and trot. Computerized tomography was then used to create a subject-specific model of an equine distal forelimb and strains were calculated for the superficial digital flexor tendon, the deep digital flexor tendon accessory ligament and the suspensory ligament for seven trials each of normal shoes, and toe and heel elevation. As the proximal interphalangeal joint is often ignored in strain calculations, its influence on the strain calculations was also tested. The deep ligament showed the same results for walk and trot with the heel wedge decreasing peak strain and the toe wedge increasing it. The opposite results were seen in the suspensory ligament and the superficial digital flexor tendon with the heel wedge increasing peak strain and the toe wedge decreasing it. The proximal interphalangeal joint was shown to be influential on the strains calculated with normal shoes and the calculated effect of the wedges. Our results imply that corrective shoeing appears to decrease strain in the tendon being targeted; the possibility of increases in strain in other structures should also be considered.
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Publication Date: 2007-04-25 PubMed ID: 17451533PubMed Central: PMC2375746DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00714.xGoogle 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 research article focuses on studying the impact of toe and heel elevation on strains in various tendons of a horse, using a highly precise subject-specific model generated through computerized tomography. It also investigates the effect of the proximal interphalangeal joint – usually overlooked in such studies – on these calculations. The study brings out the differential consequences of shoe alterations on individual tendons and signifies the importance of considering potential strain increases in non-targeted structures during corrective shoeing.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers undertook a study on equine distal forelimb using a subject-specific model. The model was generated using kinematic data captured via invasive markers when the horse was walking and trotting.
  • Further advancements to the model were made through computerized tomography, thus ensuring a highly accurate representation of the forelimb’s actual structure.
  • To investigate the effect of toe and heel wedges on tendon strains, the researchers conducted seven trials each for normal shoes, toe elevation, and heel elevation. Calculations were made for strains on the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon accessory ligament, and the suspensory ligament.
  • The study also examined the influence of the proximal interphalangeal joint on the strain calculations, a factor normally ignored in such investigations.

Key Findings

  • For the deep digital flexor tendon accessory ligament, heel wedge decreased peak strain while toe wedge increased it, and this was consistent across both walking and trotting states.
  • Conversely for the suspensory ligament and the superficial digital flexor tendon, heel wedge resulted in increased peak strain and toe wedge effectively reduced it.
  • The research confirmed the significant impact of the proximal interphalangeal joint on the strain calculations. Its influence was evident in the results for normal shoes as well as the effects of toe and heel wedges.

Implications of findings

  • The research showed valuable insights into the different effects of heel and toe elevation on tendon strains in horses. These findings are instrumental for improved understanding of the consequences of corrective shoeing.
  • It underlines the importance of considering potential increases in strain in non-targeted structures while opting for corrective shoeing, calling for a holistic approach.

Cite This Article

APA
Lawson SE, Chateau H, Pourcelot P, Denoix JM, Crevier-Denoix N. (2007). Effect of toe and heel elevation on calculated tendon strains in the horse and the influence of the proximal interphalangeal joint. J Anat, 210(5), 583-591. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00714.x

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 0021-8782
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 210
Issue: 5
Pages: 583-591

Researcher Affiliations

Lawson, Siân E M
  • Centre for Rehabilitation and Engineering Studies, Newcastle University, UK. sian.lawson@ncl.ac.uk
Chateau, Henry
    Pourcelot, Philippe
      Denoix, Jean-Marie
        Crevier-Denoix, Nathalie

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Foot
          • Foot Joints / anatomy & histology
          • Foot Joints / physiology
          • Forelimb
          • Horses / anatomy & histology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
          • Ligaments / anatomy & histology
          • Ligaments / physiology
          • Models, Anatomic
          • Movement / physiology
          • Posture
          • Stress, Mechanical
          • Tendons / anatomy & histology
          • Tendons / physiology
          • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

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          This article has been cited 14 times.
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