Structural and biomechanical aspects of equine sacroiliac joint function and their relationship to clinical disease.

This article explores the structure and function of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in horses, along with its relationship to disease. The authors focus on sacroiliac dysfunction (SID), and existing diagnostic tests, as well as possibilities for new tools for diagnosis and treatment.

Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Equine Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ)

• This part of the study focuses on the structure and function of the SIJ in horses. The authors summarize known information about the horse’s SIJ, interestingly comparing its anatomy and biomechanics to humans. This comparison segues into a discussion about SIJ dysfunction in humans. The SID in humans is recognized through manual provocation for pain and diagnostic tests grounded on biomechanics.

Sacroiliac Dysfunction (SID) Categories

• In the report, clinical presentations of SID seem to fall into two main groups. The first group shows pain and poor performance, responsive to local analgesia of structures surrounding the joint, but with poorly defined pathology. The second category shows poor performance principally with bony pathological changes that arise due to chronic instability.

Connection Between Abnormal SIJ Motion and Clinical Disease

• This segment explores the connection between abnormal SIJ movement and altered neuromotor control with clinical diseases of the SIJ in horses. The relationship between SIJ dysfunction and neuromotor control suggests that abnormal movements of the SIJ might influence or contribute to clinical diseases.

Projections for Future Management Tools

• The authors speculate that understanding these relationships could aid in the development of new diagnostic and management tools for SID in horses. By understanding the biomechanics and anatomy of the SIJ and how this relates to SID, more effective and specific treatments might be found, improving the performance and quality of life for affected horses.