Heel effects on joint contact force components in the equine digit: a sensitivity analysis

Abstract

SummaryReasons for performing study: Whereas the effect of heel configuration on the tension of the suspensory apparatus is well documented in the literature, there are few reports of joint contact force components in the equine distal forelimb. Objectives: To improve understanding of the effect of heel configuration on equine digit joint loading, a sensitivity analysis was performed to compare the effect of a raised heel on joint contact force components in the coffin and fetlock joints during the stance phase of the trot.

Effects of sand, asphalt and 3‐degree hind toe or heel elevation on horse kinematics

“…Several studies reported that elevating the forelimbs heels increased or tended to increase the extension of the fore fetlocks. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Our results and those of Peham et al 13 suggest that it is not possible to extrapolate this biomechanical rule to the hind limbs. In practice, indicating heel wedges for their effect on fetlock extension on hard ground should be considered differently in fore-and hind limbs, for different biomechanical reasons.…”

“…Several studies reported that elevating the forelimbs heels increased or tended to increase the extension of the fore fetlocks 6-12 . Our results and those of Peham et al 13 suggest that it is not possible to extrapolate this biomechanical rule to the hind limbs.…”

“…Veterinarians and farriers are increasingly focused on the influence of palmar and plantar angles on equine locomotion. Ex vivo and most in vivo studies have established the following consensual biomechanics rule: raising forelimb heels increases or tends to increase the fetlock extension on a hard surface 6-12 . However, limited scientific data are available for hind limbs, and only one study showed that an 8‐16‐degree plantar angle increase reduced the maximum hind fetlock extension 13 …”

“…Ex vivo and most in vivo studies have established the following consensual biomechanics rule: raising forelimb heels increases or tends to increase the fetlock extension on a hard surface. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] However, limited scientific data are available for hind limbs, and only one study showed that an 8-16-degree plantar angle increase reduced the maximum hind fetlock extension. 13 In racehorses, aluminium or steel light shoes are frequently used for training and racing.…”

Artrodese da articulação interfalangeana proximal de equinos: avaliação biomecânica comparativa da técnica com placa de compressão dinâmica de 4,5mm e três orifícios, com dois parafusos transarticulares oblíquos de 5,5mm e técnica com placa "Y" de compressão bloqueada de 5,0mm e sete orifícios

“…O desequilíbrio e trauma repetido nas estruturas peri articulares são causa de lesões como: osteítes, osteocondrites, osteocondrose (osteocondrites dissecantes e cistos subcondrais), fraturas das falanges proximal ou media, luxações e subluxações; para as quais a artrodese proporciona uma boa opção para manter a função do animal, ainda que se perca uma articulação, particularmente quando a lesão articular atinge um estágio de evolução que impossibilita qualquer tipo de tratamento clínico (MacLELLAN et al, 2001;SCHAER et al, 2001;BERTONE, 2004;KNOX et al, 2006). Embora artrites sépticas, deformidades flexurais e desvios angulares em potros, com origem nas falanges, não sejam consequência do estresse causado pela movimentação, a anquilose cirúrgica tem sido indicada como tratamento de eleição (GROOM et al, 2000;JONES et al, 2009 (DENOIX, 1999;CHATEAU et al, 2002CHATEAU et al, , 2006NOBLE et al, 2010;ELIASHAR, 2012).…”