The biomechanical properties of the collateral ligaments in the equine distal forelimb : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the degree of Master of Science in Animal Science, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
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Date
2018
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Legg, Kylie
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Publisher
Massey University
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Abstract
At the gallop, high loading forces are experienced in the equine distal limb, resulting in stresses to the soft tissue structures of the distal forelimb. Ligaments and tendons attenuate and reduce the concussive effects of the forces acting on the limb and their injury is the most frequent cause of musculoskeletal injury (Clayton, 2016; Clegg, 2012; Woo et al., 2000).
Computer models of equine motion estimate the forces in the equine distal limb during motion, providing insight into the biomechanical factors that cause musculoskeletal injury. However, currently models do not account for all structures in the distal limb (Bullimore et al., 2006; Farley et al., 1993; Harrison et al., 2010; McGuigan et al., 2003), particularly the collateral ligaments (CL). This study aimed to determine the biomechanical properties of the collateral and distal sesamoid ligaments of the equine distal forelimb.
CL and the straight and oblique distal sesamoid ligaments were harvested from the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP), metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP), carpus and elbow joints of the forelimbs of 10 Thoroughbred and 9 other equine breeds (total: 19 horses). The elastic moduli (EM) were determined by tensile testing the ligaments with a strain rate of 1 mms-1 after 10 cycles of preconditioning load.
The EM of the ligaments differed significantly between the joints, according to position and function. The highest EM was for Thoroughbred MCP joint CL (63 ± 45 MPa, p < 0.05) and the lowest EM for all breeds was the lateral collateral elbow ligament (3 ± 2 MPa, p = 0.14). Thoroughbred horses had a significantly higher EM in the CL of the PIP (27 ± 14 MPa vs. 12 ± 7 MPa) and MCP (63 ± 45 MPa vs. 35 ± 15 MPa) joints than the other breeds in the study (p < 0.05). There was a large variation in EM, negatively affected by age and, in the distal ligaments, wither height (p < 0.05). The mechanical properties described here will be of use in creating the ‘Anybody’ model of the equine distal forelimb being developed at Massey University to determine the effect of ground surface perturbations on the distal limb.
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Keywords
Horses, Physiology, Leg, Mechanical properties, Ligaments, Mechanical properties