Three-dimensional kinematics of the distal forelimb in horses trotting on a treadmill and effects of elevation of heel and toe.
BACKGROUND
Comprehensive understanding of the 3-dimensional (3D) kinematics of the distal forelimb and precise knowledge of alterations induced by dorsopalmar foot imbalance remains incomplete because in vivo studies performed with skin markers do not measure the actual movements of the 3 digital joints.


OBJECTIVE
To quantify the effects of 6 degree heel or toe wedges on the 3D movements of the 4 distal segments of the forelimb in horses trotting on a treadmill.


METHODS
Three healthy horses were equipped with ultrasonic markers fixed surgically to the 4 distal segments of the left forelimb. The 3D movements of these segments were recorded while horses were trotting on a treadmill. Rotations of the digital joints were calculated by use of a joint coordinate system. Data obtained with 6 degree heel or toe wedges were compared to those obtained with flat standard shoes.


RESULTS
Use of heel wedges significantly increased maximal flexion and decreased maximal extension of the proximal (PIPJ) and distal (DIPJ) interphalangeal joints. Inverse effects (except for PIPJ maximal extension) were observed with the toe wedges. In both cases, neither flexion-extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint nor extrasagittal motions of the digital joints were statistically different between conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
At a slow trot on a treadmill, heel and toe wedges affect the sagittal plane kinematics of the interphalangeal joints.


CONCLUSIONS
Better understanding of the actual effects of toe and heel wedges on the 3D kinematics of the 3 digital joints may help to improve clinical use of sagittal alteration of hoof balance in the treatment of distal forelimb injuries.
UMR 957 INRA-ENVA de Biomécanique et Pathologie Locomotrice du Cheval, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, France.
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H
Chateau
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Degueurce
J M
JM
Denoix
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000662:veterinary; D005552:Forelimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000662:veterinary; D012399:Rotation; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D014033:Toe Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D014463:Ultrasonography