Sensitivity of an equine distal limb model to perturbations in tendon paths, origins and insertions.
Abstract: As equine musculoskeletal models become common, it is important to determine their sensitivity to the simplifications used. A subject-specific distal forelimb model was created using bones extracted from CT scans to examine movement from in-vivo invasive-marker motion capture. The movements of the sesamoid bones were simulated using the constraints of maintaining an isometric virtual ligament and maintaining contact between the appropriate articular surfaces, creating a variable moment arm for the tendons. The simulation of the proximal sesamoid bones was compared to movement recorded in-vitro. The paths and origins used for the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) were altered and the effects on their calculated strains during trot stance were examined. The most influential alteration tested was the dorsopalmar changes to the tendon paths at the level of the proximal sesamoid bones, which led to a maximum length reduction of 4 and 2 mm for the SDFT and DDFT, respectively. Alterations to the virtual origins of the SDFT and DDFT were not influential leading to up to a 0.01% effect on strains for a 1cm dorsopalmar shift. In the SL, the choice of the proximal or distal edge of the proximal attachment site varied the strains calculated by up to 1% (3 mm). These results show that within the anatomically realistic spectrum, changes to tendon paths can have an appreciable effect on calculated strains; however the origin sites chosen are not as influential as changes to paths at the metacarpo-phalangeal joint.
Publication Date: 2007-01-25 PubMed ID: 17257605DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2006.11.010Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research studies the sensitivity of an equine distal limb model towards changes in tendon paths, origins, and insertions. The main focus is to evaluate how the alterations affect the calculated strains during the stance of a trot.
Creation of the Equine Distal Forelimb Model
- The researchers developed a subject-specific distal forelimb model of a horse using bones extracted from computed tomography (CT) scans. This personalized model is designed to analyze horse limb movement using in-vivo invasive-marker motion capture.
- The movements of the horse’s sesamoid bones, small bones embedded in the tendons of the hoof, were replicated in the model by using the constraints of maintaining an isometric virtual ligament and contact between the appropriate articular surfaces. This method led to the creation of a variable moment arm for the tendons.
- The simulated movement of the proximal sesamoid bones was compared with movements recorded in in-vitro studies.
Alterations of Tendon Paths and Origins
- The researchers made changes to the paths and origins used for three essential structures: the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), and suspensory ligament (SL).
- The effects of these alterations on the calculated strains or deformations of these elements were observed during the stance phase of a trot.
Analysis of Changes Induced by Alterations
- The most significant alteration was the dorsopalmar changes (front-to-back changes) to the tendon paths at the level of the proximal sesamoid bones. It led to a maximum length reduction of 4mm for the SDFT and 2mm for the DDFT.
- Changes to the virtual origins of the SDFT and DDFT were not as impactful, leading to a minimal 0.01% effect on strains for a 1cm dorsopalmar shift.
- For the suspensory ligament (SL), choosing between the proximal or distal edge of the proximal attachment site varied the strains by up to 1% (3mm).
Conclusion from the Results
- Through this study, it is evident that changes within tendon paths can have a substantial effect on the calculated strains.
- Contrarily, the sites chosen for the origins are not as influential as the changes made to the paths at the metacarpo-phalangeal joint, which is the joint where the long bone of the lower leg meets the bones of the horse’s foot.
Cite This Article
APA
Lawson SE, Chateau H, Pourcelot P, Denoix JM, Crevier-Denoix N.
(2007).
Sensitivity of an equine distal limb model to perturbations in tendon paths, origins and insertions.
J Biomech, 40(11), 2510-2516.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2006.11.010 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Centre for Rehabilitation and Engineering Studies, Newcastle University, UK. sian.lawson@ncl.ac.uk
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bones of Lower Extremity / physiology
- Horses
- Ligaments / physiology
- Lower Extremity / physiology
- Models, Biological
- Sprains and Strains / physiopathology
- Tendons / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Pagliara E, Pasinato A, Valazza A, Riccio B, Cantatore F, Terzini M, Putame G, Parrilli A, Sartori M, Fini M, Zanetti EM, Bertuglia A. Multibody Computer Model of the Entire Equine Forelimb Simulates Forces Causing Catastrophic Fractures of the Carpus during a Traditional Race. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 16;12(6).
- Lawson SE, Chateau H, Pourcelot P, Denoix JM, Crevier-Denoix N. Effect of toe and heel elevation on calculated tendon strains in the horse and the influence of the proximal interphalangeal joint. J Anat 2007 May;210(5):583-91.
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