A method for determination of equine hoof strain patterns using photoelasticity: an in vitro study.
During impact, equine hooves undergo viscoelastic deformations which may result in potentially harmful strains. Previous hoof strain studies using strain gauges have been inconclusive due to arbitrary gauge placement. Photoelastic stress analysis (PSA) is a full-field technique which visually displays strains over entire loaded surfaces. This in vitro study identifies normal hoof strain patterns using PSA. Custom-made photoelastic plastic sheets were applied to the hoof surface. The hooves were axially loaded (225 kg) under level and varus/valgus conditions. Strain patterns were video-recorded through a polariscope. Strains were concentrated between middle and distal thirds of the hoof wall regardless of the loading conditions. This strain distribution appears to result from the differential expansion of the hoof wall under load. Increasing load resulted in higher strains and asymmetric loading resulted in an ipsilateral increase in strain magnitudes without altering strain locations. This study shows that PSA is a reliable method with which to evaluate hoof strains in vitro and is sensitive enough to reflect subtle load-related strain alterations.
Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.
L M
LM
Dejardin
S P
SP
Arnoczky
G L
GL
Cloud
D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D004548:Elasticity; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000502:physiology*; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D014743:Videotape Recording; D016474:Weight-Bearing