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Acta veterinaria Scandinavica2012; 54(1); 41; doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-54-41

The analysis of densitometric and geometric parameters of bilateral proximal phalanges in horses with the use of peripheral quantitative computed tompgraphy.

Abstract: Proximal phalanges in horses are among bones that are most prone to injuries. So far, the detailed analysis of densitometric and geometric parameters of both front legs proximal phalanges in horses has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the densitometric and geometric parameters between proximal phalanges in equine both front legs with the use of peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Methods: The study material comprised isolated both front legs proximal phalanges derived from 22 horses. The structure analysis of the proximal phalanges was conducted with the pQCT. The following bone parameters were determined: bone mineral content, volumetric bone mineral density, total bone area, trabecular area, cortical area, cortical thickness, periosteal circumference, endocortical circumference, Strength Strain Index. Tomographic analysis of proximal phalanges was conducted at three levels: at 15%, 50% and 85% of the bone length. Results: The statistical analysis showed that both the densitometric and geometric parameters of the bone at 50% and 85% of its length, did not present any statistically significant differences for the left or right proximal phalanges of the forelimb. At the same time, all examined parameters measured at 15% of the bone length, in the vicinity of the proximal metaphysis revealed significant statistical differences between both front legs proximal phalanges. Conclusions: The proximal phalanx parameters in the forelimbs are significantly different for the left and right proximal phalanx at 15% of the length and they indicate higher Strength Strain Index of the left bone in this location. The densitometric and geometric parameters of the bone at 50% and 85% of its length, did not present any statistically significant differences for the left or right proximal phalanges of the left and right forelimbs. The most serious changes caused by asymmetrical load of the thoracic limbs in horses occur near the proximal metaphysis, where the spongious substance is most abundant. This may happen because the metabolism of the spongious bone tissue is eight times faster compared to the compact bone tissue. Thus, any changes, including those caused by asymmetrical strain exerted on the right and left thoracic limbs, are the earliest to be observed.
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Publication Date: 2012-07-13 PubMed ID: 22794083PubMed Central: PMC3408367DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-54-41Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

The research studied the geometric and densitometric parameters of proximal phalanges in horse’s front legs using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. The study found significant variations in these parameters at 15% of bone length and indicated higher strength strain index for the left bone in this area.

Objectives and Methods

  • The study sought to examine the densitometric and geometric parameters of the proximal phalanges in both front legs of horses, which have not been significantly studied in the past.
  • The researchers used peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) as their tool for analyzing the bone structure.
  • The sample comprised isolated proximal phalanges from the front legs of 22 horses and was analysed at three levels of bone length: 15%, 50%, and 85%.

Measurements Observed

  • Various parameters of the bone were determined in the study including bone mineral content, volumetric bone mineral density, total bone area, trabecular area, cortical area, cortical thickness, periosteal circumference, endocortical circumference, and Strength Strain Index.

Findings

  • The statistical analysis showed that both the densitometric and geometric parameters did not show any significant difference for the left or right proximal phalanges at 50% and 85% of its length.
  • However, all parameters measured at 15% of the bone length revealed significant statistical differences between the proximal phalanges of both front legs. Specifically, the left bone indicated a higher Strength Strain Index in this location.

Conclusions and Implications

  • The difference in parameters in forelimbs at 15% of the length may be due to asymmetrical load on the thoracic limbs in horses. This change is most visible at the proximal metaphysis, where the spongious substance (a younger and less dense form of bone tissue) is most abundant.
  • Because the metabolism of spongious bone tissue is eight times faster than compact bone tissue, alterations due to asymmetrical strain exerted on the right and left limbs can be detected early. This discovery could be instrumental in early detection and prevention of horse-limb-related issues.

Cite This Article

APA
Dzierzęcka M, Charuta A. (2012). The analysis of densitometric and geometric parameters of bilateral proximal phalanges in horses with the use of peripheral quantitative computed tompgraphy. Acta Vet Scand, 54(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-54-41

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 1751-0147
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 1
Pages: 41

Researcher Affiliations

Dzierzęcka, Małgorzata
  • Department of Morphological Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 166, Warsaw 02-776, Poland. malgorzatadzierzecka@wp.pl
Charuta, Anna

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Bone Density
    • Densitometry / veterinary
    • Female
    • Forelimb / anatomy & histology
    • Forelimb / physiology
    • Horses / anatomy & histology
    • Horses / physiology
    • Male
    • Toes / anatomy & histology
    • Toes / physiology
    • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 2 times.
    1. Dzierzęcka M, Jaworski M, Purzyc H, Barszcz K. Regional Differences of Densitometric and Geometric Parameters of the Third Metacarpal Bone in Coldblood Horses - pQCT Study. J Vet Res 2017 Mar;61(1):111-120.
      doi: 10.1515/jvetres-2017-0014pubmed: 29978062google scholar: lookup
    2. Paśko S, Dzierzęcka M, Purzyc H, Charuta A, Barszcz K, Bartyzel BJ, Komosa M. The Osteometry of Equine Third Phalanx by the Use of Three-Dimensional Scanning: New Measurement Possibilities. Scanning 2017;2017:1378947.
      doi: 10.1155/2017/1378947pubmed: 29109801google scholar: lookup
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