In vitro motions of the medial and lateral proximal sesamoid bones under mid-stance load conditions are consistent with racehorse fracture configurations.
Abstract: Proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fractures in racehorses are likely fatigue fractures that occur due to repetitive loads and stress remodeling. The loading circumstances that may induce damage in the PSBs are not well understood. The goal of this study was to determine in three-dimensions, PSB motions relative to the opposing metacarpal condyle during simulated mid-stance loads. Seven equine cadaveric forelimbs were axially loaded in a material testing system to simulate standing and mid-stance walk, trot, and gallop load conditions (1.8-10.5 kN). Joint angles were determined by tracking the positions of bone-fixed kinematic markers. Internal-external rotation, abduction-adduction, and flexion-extension of each PSB relative to the third metacarpal condyle were compared between loads and between PSBs using an ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests for pairwise comparisons. The medial PSB rotated externally and the lateral PSB apex abducted during limb loading. Medial PSB external rotation was significantly greater at the gallop load condition than at the walk or trot load conditions. The medial and lateral PSB motions observed in this study are consistent with location of fatigue damage and fracture configurations frequently seen in medial and lateral PSBs from Thoroughbred racehorses. Specifically, medial PSB external rotation is consistent with the development of an abaxial subchondral medial PSB lesion that is reported in association with medial PSB transverse fracture and lateral PSB abduction is consistent with axial longitudinal fracture of the lateral PSB.
Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-11-27 PubMed ID: 34894442DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110888Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research explores the movement of proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) in horses under various load conditions, to understand how these movements can lead to bone fractures commonly found in racehorses. The findings suggest that the motion of these bones under certain conditions are consistent with common fracture configurations in racehorses, paving the way towards better preventative measures.
Objective of the Research
- The main objective of this study was to understand the three-dimensional movements of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) in relation to the third metacarpal condyle under different load conditions that typically occur during horse racing. This could help to explain why certain types of fractures commonly occur in racehorses.
Methods Used in the Research
- The researchers used seven equine cadaveric forelimbs and subjected them to axial loading at different conditions that mimic those experienced during standing, walking, trotting, and galloping (1.8-10.5 kN).
- The team tracked the positions of bone-fixed kinematic markers to determine joint angles.
- The researchers conducted an analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests for pairwise comparisons to compare the rotation and abduction-adduction and flexion-extension of each PSB relative to the third metacarpal condyle across different loads.
Key Findings of the Research
- Findings highlighted that the medial PSB rotated externally while the lateral PSB apex abducted during limb loading. Notably, the medial PSB external rotation was significantly greater during galloping than during walking or trotting.
- The motions observed in the medial and lateral PSBs under different loads were found to align with the locations of fatigue damage and fracture configurations commonly seen in thoroughbred racehorses.
- Specifically, medial PSB external rotation seems to lead to a certain type of lesion associated with medial PSB transverse fracture. Moreover, lateral PSB abduction appears to lead to axial longitudinal fractures of the lateral PSB.
Significance of the Study
- This study’s results are crucial as they shed light on how the repetitive loads and consequent internal movements of the bones in a horse’s leg during racing could lead to common fracture configurations. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for preventative measures to reduce fracture risk in racing horses in the future.
Cite This Article
APA
Shaffer SK, Shelly K, Garcia TC, Samol MA, Hill AE, Fyhrie DP, Stover SM.
(2021).
In vitro motions of the medial and lateral proximal sesamoid bones under mid-stance load conditions are consistent with racehorse fracture configurations.
J Biomech, 130, 110888.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110888 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, United States. Electronic address: skshaffer@ucdavis.edu.
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States.
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States.
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, United States; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States.
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Forelimb
- Fractures, Bone
- Horses
- Humans
- Metacarpal Bones
- Motion
- Sesamoid Bones
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Noordwijk KJ, Chen L, Ruspi BD, Schurer S, Papa B, Fasanello DC, McDonough SP, Palmer SE, Porter IR, Basran PS, Donnelly E, Reesink HL. Metacarpophalangeal Joint Pathology and Bone Mineral Density Increase with Exercise but Not with Incidence of Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fracture in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 24;13(5).
- Shaffer SK, Medjaouri O, Swenson B, Eliason T, Nicolella DP. A Markerless Approach for Full-Body Biomechanics of Horses. Animals (Basel) 2025 Aug 5;15(15).
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