Electrogoniometric analysis of equine metacarpophalangeal joint lameness.

This research uses electrogoniometry to study and compare the movement of the normal and affected metacarpophalangeal joints in horses. This was done in both a quantitative and qualitative manner to understand the differences better.

Understanding Electogoniometry and Its Use in The Study

• Electrogoniometry is a method used to measure the angle of a joint in movement. In this study, the researchers used it to observe and record the joint movement of the metacarpophalangeal joints of horses. This method allowed them to compare the motion of normal and pathologically affected joints.

The Focus of This Research

• The main aim of the research was to study the changes in the metacarpophalangeal joints of horses. These joints, equivalent to human knuckles, are crucial for a horse’s mobility and posture. Any change or problem in these joints can lead to lameness or other mobility issues.
• The researchers conducted the study on four Thoroughbred horses. Out of these, one was normal, with healthy joints, and three others showed clinical and radiographic changes in the metacarpophalangeal joints of one limb.

Methodology and Findings

• The horses were evaluated at both the walk and trot, the two most common gaits for horses. This choice of movement allowed the researchers to capture the most telling and common movements where any joint issues would be most apparent.
• The researchers compared the goniograms – a graph or chart that represents the motion range of a joint – of the affected joints with those of the normal horse and the normal contralateral metacarpophalangeal joint. This comparison helps to understand the differences between a healthy joint and an affected one in motion.
• The researchers observed qualitative asymmetry on the goniograms of affected horses. This means that the shape and symmetry of the joint movement graph differed from that of normal joints, indicating some sort of abnormality or problem in the joint movement.
• The research team also quantified the ranges of motion of each joint, i.e., they numerically estimated the extent to which each joint could move. These quantitative measurements were then compared to clinical and radiologic observations to relate motion range to the observed joint changes.