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Frontiers in veterinary science2021; 8; 623318; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.623318

EquiSim: An Open-Source Articulatable Statistical Model of the Equine Distal Limb.

Abstract: Most digital models of the equine distal limb that are available in the community are static and/or subject specific; hence, they have limited applications in veterinary research. In this paper, we present an articulatable model of the entire equine distal limb based on statistical shape modeling. The model describes the inter-subject variability in bone geometry while maintaining proper jointspace distances to support model articulation toward different poses. Shape variation modes are explained in terms of common biometrics in order to ease model interpretation from a veterinary point of view. The model is publicly available through a graphical user interface (https://github.com/jvhoutte/equisim) in order to facilitate future digitalization in veterinary research, such as computer-aided designs, three-dimensional printing of bone implants, bone fracture risk assessment through finite element methods, and data registration and segmentation problems for clinical practices.
Copyright © 2021 Van Houtte, Vandenberghe, Zheng, Huysmans and Sijbers.
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Publication Date: 2021-03-03 PubMed ID: 33763462PubMed Central: PMC7982960DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.623318Google 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.

This research introduces ‘EquiSim’, an open-source, articulatable digital model of the horse’s lower limb that can be varied based on statistical shape modeling. The model, which considers the diverse bone geometries of different horses, aims to assist future digitalization in veterinary research, such as computer-aided designs and 3D printing of bone implants.

Problem with Existing Models

Existing digital models of the equine distal limb (lower part of a horse’s limb) typically exhibit two key limitations:

  • They are static: This means they do not adapt or change in any way, limiting their overall utility and adaptability.
  • They are subject-specific: These models focus on representations of the limbs of individual horses and do not adequately represent differences in bone geometry between different equine subjects.

The EquiSim Model

The EquiSim model is a significant advancement in the field of veterinary research for several reasons:

  • It is based on statistical shape modeling: This approach means the model upholds the bone geometry variances that exist between different horses.
  • It maintains proper joint space distances: Ensuring these distances are correct in the model allows it to imitate different poses accurately.
  • The model uses common biometrics to explain shape variation modes, making it easier for it to be interpreted from a veterinary perspective,

Applications of EquiSim

EquiSim opens up a range of possibilities for digitization in veterinary research and practice, including:

  • Computer-aided designs: EquiSim can be used to design and refine equipment and implements that interact with the equine distal limb in a more accurate and refined manner.
  • Three-dimensional printing of bone implants: The model’s ability to represent different horse bone geometries accurately makes it useful in the design of 3D printed bone implants, aiding in more successful surgical outcomes.
  • Bone fracture risk assessment through finite element methods: EquiSim can contribute to risk assessments related to potential bone fractures.
  • Data registration and segmentation problems for clinical practices: The model can assist in solving these technical issues, improving veterinary clinical practices.

The researchers have made the EquiSim model publicly available through a user-friendly graphical interface. This means it can be accessed and used by a wide range of researchers and practitioners in the veterinary field, driving further innovations and improvements in equine health and care.

Cite This Article

APA
Van Houtte J, Vandenberghe F, Zheng G, Huysmans T, Sijbers J. (2021). EquiSim: An Open-Source Articulatable Statistical Model of the Equine Distal Limb. Front Vet Sci, 8, 623318. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.623318

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 8
Pages: 623318
PII: 623318

Researcher Affiliations

Van Houtte, Jeroen
  • imec-Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Vandenberghe, Filip
  • Equine Hospital Bosdreef, Moerbeke-Waas, Belgium.
Zheng, Guoyan
  • Center for Image-Guided Therapy and Interventions, Institute for Medical Robotics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Huysmans, Toon
  • imec-Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
  • Section on Applied Ergonomics and Design, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands.
Sijbers, Jan
  • imec-Vision Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Crecan CM, Peștean CP. Inertial Sensor Technologies-Their Role in Equine Gait Analysis, a Review. Sensors (Basel) 2023 Jul 11;23(14).
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