Morphovolumetric Analysis of the Equine Hoof

Introduction: Historically, conformation of the limbs has been used as a predictor of injury predisposition and athletic performance. Investigations have developed from a subjective visual assessment to increasingly quantitative methods; yet, volumetric (3D) data are missing. Functional anatomy of the hoof is intricate, and thus, its impact on musculoskeletal injuries is not well understood. Recognition of pathological changes within the hoof internal anatomy necessitates understanding of such relationship in normal/healthy hooves. This work aims to quantify the 3D anatomical relationships of the normal foot.

Materials and Methods: The T1-weighted MR images from 18 Standardbred horses (5.8 ± 2.6 years) were examined. Two 1 cm³ spheres were placed in image field and used for calibration. All measurements were performed using Image J software. Six volumetric and nine linear variables were measured. Pairwise correlations among measurements were examined using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient and p-values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: Patterns of pairwise correlations were found. The distal phalanx volume (DP-V) was correlated with its width (r = 0.739) but not its length. However, digital cushion volume was correlated with its length (r = 0.802). Navicular bone width was correlated with distal phalanx width (r = 0.710) but not deep digital flexor tendon width (r = 0.541). The DP-V and total hoof volume were correlated with the weight of the horse.

Discussion/Conclusion: These data provide a basis for the use of morphogeometric analysis of the equine foot in investigation of clinical lameness, prevention of predisposed injuries and predicting future performance.

Acknowledgement: Authors would like to thank Dr Jeffery Thomason.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).