Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2020; 33(03): A1-A14
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1712898
Podium Abstracts
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Contribution of Arena Surface Properties to Equine Forelimb Fetlock Motion while Jumping

Rohlf CM
1   Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, California, United States
,
Garcia TC
2   J.D. Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of California, Davis, California, United States
,
Marsh LJ
3   Animal Biology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, California, United States
,
Fyhrie DP
4   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, United States
,
le Jeune SS
5   School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, United States
,
E Acutt
6   Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Diagnostic Imaging, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
,
Stover SM
5   School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis, California, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 May 2020 (online)

 

Introduction: Fetlock joint angle affects tendon strains and is affected by hoof-surface interactions. Fetlock kinematic variables of show jumping horses were related to surface properties to identify surface variables that could reduce tendon injury risks.

Materials and Methods: Limb motions of four horses were captured during a 1.1-m oxer jump on 12 surfaces (5 dirt, 7 synthetic). Vertical impact, horizontal shear, and manageable surface properties were measured. Surface (dirt, synthetic) effects on biomechanical and surface properties were assessed using ANOVA (p < 0.05) and correlations (p < 0.05).

Results: Fetlock motions were significantly larger at landing than take-off and were affected by lead leg. Flexion velocity, cohesion, and impact force were significantly larger for dirt surfaces. Angle of internal friction, cushion depth, and moisture content were significantly larger for synthetic surfaces. Fetlock angular velocities exhibited significant positive correlations with shear and manageable surface properties.

Discussion/Conclusion: Risk of injury may be highest for the leading limb at landing on surfaces with high shear forces. Dirt surfaces may provide additional rebound to the limb, possibly related to lower vertical and horizontal soil movements. Optimizing cushion depth, moisture content and fiber content to obtain physiologically desirable biomechanical parameters may be useful for reducing injury risk.

Acknowledgment: Supported in part by the Center for Equine Health with funds provided by the State of California satellite wagering fund and contributions by private donors.