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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice1999; 15(1); 27-60; doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30162-1

Spinal biomechanics and functional anatomy.

Abstract: Knowledge of the normal functional behavior and mechanical properties of the vertebral column is important to understand the pathogenesis of back lesions, to identify the clinical manifestations of back pain, and to ensure a rational approach to physical therapy. The purpose of this article is to present a synthesis of in vivo and in vitro data obtained from different but complementary investigations. Presently, in vivo studies are limited; few gait-specific kinematic and electromyographic investigations are in process. Higher stresses to reach the maximal range of intervertebral motion can be applied on the spine on anatomical specimens than in living horses, and anatomical functional data can be obtained at the level of intervertebral structures. For each movement of flexion, extension, lateroflexion, and rotation, regional and intervertebral mobility is presented with an emphasis on craniocaudal variations and their anatomical causes. Because of the location of their ICR, the dorsoventral movements of a thoracolumbar intervertebral joint can be defined as a rotation around the center of the more caudal vertebral body. This information supports the new concept of intervertebral mobility in the horse and provides additional elements to facilitate understanding of the pathogenesis of back problems in the horse.
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Publication Date: 1999-04-28 PubMed ID: 10218240DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30162-1Google 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 article aims at understanding the mechanical properties and normal functioning of a horse’s spinal column in order to better comprehend the root causes of back lesions and pain. By studying the mobility of the intervertebral sections during diverse movements, this can be used to detect and treat back issues in horses effectively.

Understanding Spinal Bio-mechanics in Horses

In order to understand the root causes of back lesions and pain in horses, it’s important to know how the vertebral column normally functions and the mechanical properties it possesses. These properties can be examined through in vivo (living organisms) and in vitro (outside of the living organism) studies:

  • In vivo studies focus on real-time, dynamic observation of spinal movements in living horses. Though such studies are few in number, they provide useful information on gait-specific kinematic movements and electromyographic data, which helps to understand how electrical signals cause muscle contractions.
  • In vitro studies involve anatomical exploration of the spine and vertebrae outside the body of the horse, which reveal essential details normally difficult to study in a living organism. Investigators can apply higher stresses to intervertebral motion within these disarticulated specimens, giving additional insights into these movements.

The Importance of Studying Intervertebral Mobility

Each movement a horse makes, whether it’s flexion, extension, lateroflexion (bending to the side), or rotation, affects the intervertebral mobility differently. Observing and understanding these variations helps us to understand the functional behavior of the vertebral column. Key observations from these studies:

  • Focus on variations in regional and intervertebral mobility during movements.
  • Emphasis on understanding how these movements vary along the length of the spine (craniocaudal variations) and their anatomical causes.
  • Determination of the rotation center in thoracolumbar intervertebral joints based on the InterCentric Radius (ICR) and how it affects dorsoventral movements (up-and-down motions) in a horse.

This research significantly contributes to a comprehensive understanding of intervertebral mobility in horses, which paves the way for more effective diagnosis and treatment of spinal impairments in these animals.

Cite This Article

APA
Denoix JM. (1999). Spinal biomechanics and functional anatomy. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 15(1), 27-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30162-1

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 0749-0739
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Pages: 27-60

Researcher Affiliations

Denoix, J M
  • Equine Clinic, National Institute of Agronomic Research (Department of Animal Pathology), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Electromyography / veterinary
  • Horses / physiology
  • Spine / physiology

Citations

This article has been cited 26 times.
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