Resistance of equine tibiae and radii to side impact loads.
Abstract: There are no detailed studies describing the resistance of equine tibiae and radii to side impact loads, such as a horse kick and a better understanding of the general long bone impact behavioural model is required. Objective: To quantify the typical impact energy required to fracture or fissure an equine long bone, as well as to determine the range and time course of the impact force under conditions similar to that of a horse kick. Methods: Seventy-two equine tibiae and radii were investigated using a drop impact tester. The prepared bones were preloaded with an axial force of 2.5 kN and were then hit in the middle of the medial side. The impact velocity of the metal impactor, weighting 2 kg, was varied within the range of 6-11 m/s. The impact process was captured with a high-speed camera from the craniomedial side of the bone. The videos were used both for slow-motion observation of the process and for quantifying physical parameters, such as peak force via offline video tracking and subsequent numerical derivation of the 'position vs. time' function for the impactor. Results: The macroscopic appearance of the resultant bone injuries was found to be similar to those produced by authentic horse kicks, indicating a successful simulation of the real load case. The impact behaviours of tibiae and radii do not differ considerably in terms of the investigated general characteristics. Peak force occurred between 0.15-0.30 ms after the start of the impact. The maximum contact force correlated with the 1.45-power of the impact velocity if no fracture occurred (F(max) ≈ 0.926 · v(i) (1.45) ). Peak force scatter was considerably larger within the fractured sub-group compared with fissured bones. The peak force for fracture tended to lie below the aforementioned function, within the range of F(max) = 11-23 kN ('fracture load'). The impact energy required to fracture a bone varied from 40-90 J. Conclusions: The video-based measuring method allowed quantifying of the most relevant physical parameters, such as contact force and energy balance. Conclusions: The results obtained should help with the development of bone implants and guards, supporting theoretical studies, and in the evaluation of bone injuries.
© 2012 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2012-03-20 PubMed ID: 22432596DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00560.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research examined the resistance of horse long bones (tibiae and radii) to side impact loads like those encountered during a horse kick. The impact energy required to cause fracture or fissure in these bones was quantified. The study can guide the development of bone implants and protective measures, as well as enhance understanding of bone injuries.
Methodology
- Seventy-two horse tibiae and radii were tested using a drop impact tester.
- The bones were preloaded with an axial force of 2.5 kN and hit in the middle of their medial side.
- A 2 kg metal impactor, with an impact velocity between 6-11 m/s, was used for the impact.
- A high-speed camera captured the impact process from the bone’s craniomedial side.
- Using slow-motion playback and numerical analysis of the ‘position vs. time’ function, researchers quantified parameters like peak force from offline video tracking.
Results
- The injuries to the bones were consistent with those seen in real horse kicks, indicating a successful simulation.
- Peak force occurred between 0.15-0.30ms after the impact began.
- The maximum contact force correlated with the 1.45-power of the impact velocity when there was no fracture.
- The peak force scatter was larger in fractured bones compared to fissured ones.
- The peak force for fracture ranged between 11-23 kN, which is in the ‘fracture load’ range.
- The impact energy required to fracture an equine long bone varied between 40-90 Joules.
Conclusions
- The video-based measuring method successfully quantified relevant physical parameters like contact force and energy balance.
- The findings can aid the design of bone implants and protective measures, theoretical studies, and the evaluation of bone injuries.
Cite This Article
APA
Piskoty G, Jäggin S, Michel SA, Weisse B, Terrasi GP, Fürst A.
(2012).
Resistance of equine tibiae and radii to side impact loads.
Equine Vet J, 44(6), 714-720.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00560.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa), Dübendorf, Switzerland. gabor.piskoty@empa.ch
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Bone and Bones / physiology
- Horses
- Radius / physiology
- Stress, Mechanical
- Tibia / physiology
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