Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of horses with induced tarsal synovitis.

The research paper conducts a three-dimensional analysis of horse movements, especially focusing on horses with induced tarsal synovitis, a condition that affects a horse’s hock joints. The study reveals that the movement patterns of horses change following induction of this condition.

Objective

• The objective of the research was to understand how the three-dimensional motions of a horse’s tarsal joint change after the induction of synovitis (an inflammation of the joint) at the distal intertarsal (DIT) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints.

Method

• Twelve reflective markers were attached to the horses’ right limb skin to construct a 3D coordinate system for the tibial and metatarsal bone segments.
• The trotting data of four horses was gathered on two different occasions—first in a sound condition, and then after the induction of synovitis in the DIT and TMT joints (the lame condition).
• The researchers then compared the variations in the 3D motions of the metatarsal segment compared to the tibial segment, using t-tests to determine statistical significance.

Results

• The findings revealed significant reductions in the flexion of the tarsal joint and cranial translation of the metatarsus relative to the tibia during the stance phase, as well as a decrease in the proximal translation of the metatarsus during the swing phase.

Conclusions

• In the lame condition, a decreased cranial translation at the DIT and TMT joints likely leads to a reduction in motion between the articular cartilage surfaces. This change could negatively affect the nutrition and function of the cartilage.
• The study implies that additional research into the 3D kinematics of the tarsal joint in horses suffering from bone spavin could help quantify the biomechanical effects of specialty shoes used as a conservative treatment method.