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In vitro evaluation of metacarpophalangeal joint loading during simulated walk.
Abstract: Insight into the loading pattern of the articular cartilage surface during the complete stride is important as biomechanical factors play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of joint trauma and osteoarthritis (OA). Objective: To determine the loading pattern in the equine MCP articulation in vitro during simulated walk. Methods: Eight cadaveric limbs from mature Dutch Warmblood horses were loaded in a pneumatic loading device in 6 different positions (A1-A6). The pressure distribution on the articular surface of the proximal phalanx (P1) was measured at 7 sites (S1-7) using intra-articularly placed pressure sensitive films, which were analysed by scanning and densitometry. Results: Pressures recorded after mid-stance (A4, 5, 6) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those before (A1, 2, 3) and showed the biphasic loading pattern of the walk at all sites, except for the site halfway along the sagittal groove (S7). At S7, there was a linear increase in pressure during the progress of the stance phase of the stride in most horses. Medially (S4, 5, 6) the pressure was significantly higher than laterally (S1, 2, 3) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The heavier medial loading coincides with the location where articular cartilage degeneration in the process of OA in the equine MCP joint is known to start. The discrepancy between the loading of the central groove and the other parts of the joint may result in large stress differences at the end of the stance phase, which might be related to the pathogenesis of stress fractures in the first phalanx and distal third metacarpal bone.
Publication Date: 2009-05-28 PubMed ID: 19469223DOI: 10.2746/042516409x395570Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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The research aims to determine the loading pattern in the equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint during a simulated walk to gain insights into how biomechanical factors contribute to joint trauma and osteoarthritis (OA). The study reveals a heavier medial loading in the MCP joint, which aligns with areas associated with the initiation of cartilage degeneration in OA.
Objectives
- The main goal of the study was to simulate and evaluate the loading pattern of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, found in the limbs of horses, during a walkthrough. The results can provide insights into how mechanical stress might contribute to joint trauma and the development of osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods
- Eight cadaveric limbs from mature Dutch Warmblood horses were used for the experiment.
- The limbs were loaded into a pneumatic loading device, and the MCP joint was positioned in six different ways (labelled A1 through A6).
- To measure the pressure distribution on the cartilage surface, pressure-sensitive films were placed intra-articularly at seven sites (S1-S7) on the proximal phalanx, which is the bone in the hoof of a horse.
- The pressure-sensitive films were then analyzed through scanning and densitometry to record the results.
Results
- The research shows that pressures recorded after mid-stance (positions A4, A5, and A6) were significantly higher than those before (positions A1, A2, and A3). This shows a biphasic loading pattern during the walk at all sites, except for one site halfway along the sagittal groove (S7).
- At the S7 site, there was a linear increase in pressure as the stance phase of the stride progressed in most horses.
- Medially (positions S4, S5, S6), the pressure was significantly higher than laterally (positions S1, S2, S3), indicating heavier loading on the inner side of the joint.
Conclusions
- The study found that the heavier medial loading aligns with the area where articular cartilage degeneration usually begins in the process of OA in the equine MCP joint.
- The disparity between the loading of the central groove and other parts of the joint might lead to substantial stress differences at the end of the stance phase. This could potentially be related to the development of stress fractures in the first phalanx and the distal third metacarpal bone.
Cite This Article
APA
Den Hartog SM, Back W, Brommer H, van Weeren PR.
(2009).
In vitro evaluation of metacarpophalangeal joint loading during simulated walk.
Equine Vet J, 41(3), 214-217.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x395570 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Forelimb / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Joints / physiology
- Walking / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Schiavo S, Beccati F, Pokora R, Lin ST, Milmine RC, Bak L, Peter VG, Murray RC. Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 25;14(13).
- Noble P, Singer ER, Jeffery NS. Does subchondral bone of the equine proximal phalanx adapt to race training?. J Anat 2016 Jul;229(1):104-13.
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