The influence of equine limb conformation on the biomechanical responses of the hoof: An in vivo and finite element study.

The research article is about a study that examined the impact of equine limb conformation, particularly the abnormal toe-in conformation, on hoof biomechanics. The article suggests that variations in the hoof’s center of pressure path may explain the different deformation patterns in toe-in hooves, with the findings based on in vivo measurements and finite element analysis.

Introduction and Hypothesis

• The researchers began by drawing attention to the effect of hoof conformation on equine locomotion.
• Toe-in conformation is defined as an abnormal condition where the limb deviates inward from its frontal axis. This has distinct effects on hoof deformation and kinematics (movement).
• The study hypothesizes that these differences may be due to a differing center of pressure (COP) path underneath the toe-in hoof.

Method

• To verify these propositions, the researchers combined in vivo (within a living organism) strain measurements and a method of mathematical analysis called finite element (FE) analysis.
• The team monitored two situations: a normal limb and a toe-in limb, measuring strains at three different points on the hoof wall.

Results

• The lowest principal strain measured at the medial (middle) aspect of the toe-in hoof was significantly less than that of the normal hoof.
• Additionally, the toe-in hoof displayed a distinct movement pattern, referred to as plaiting, compared to the normal hoof.

Finite Element Analysis

• The team also used computed tomography (CT) scans of an equine left forelimb to complete a full hoof model simulation.
• They implemented a Neo-Hookean hyperelastic material model, placing the hoof under dynamic loading throughout a complete trot.
• The researchers placed two different COP paths, each representing a normal and a toe-in conformation, onto the model.

Conclusion

• The FE model successfully replicated the in vivo minimum principal strain distributions.
• It also effectively demonstrated the differences in kinematics between toe-in and normal hooves, supporting the study’s hypothesis.