Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2018; 31(S 02): A1-A25
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668188
Podium Abstracts
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Navicular Bones with a Range of Navicular Degeneration

Elizabeth M. Collar
1   Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States
,
Stacie Aarsvold
2   Puchalski and Assoc. Equine Diagnostic Imaging, Petaluma, California, United States
,
Tanya C. Garcia
3   JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States
,
Sarah M. Puchalski
2   Puchalski and Assoc. Equine Diagnostic Imaging, Petaluma, California, United States
,
Susan M. Stover
3   JD Wheat Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 July 2018 (online)

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    Introduction: Radiographic abnormalities in diseased navicular bones include enlarged synovial invaginations, enthesophytosis, flexor cortical lysis, and medullary sclerosis. However, the functional relationships among radiographic findings, bone microstructure, and biomechanical properties are unknown. The objectives of this study were to quantify and correlate navicular microstructural features with structural mechanical properties.

    Materials and Methods: Navicular bones from 18 horses with a range of navicular disease were imaged using radiography and microcomputed tomography. Bones were assigned a radiographic grade (0–4). Morphometric data were collected from medullary cavity, cortices, and whole bone volumes of interest. Bones were nondestructively compressed and then failed in 3-point bending. Spearman correlations were assessed.

    Results: Age correlated positively with radiographic grade (r = 0.68) and negatively with trabecular number and maximum bending energy (r = −0.74, −0.73). Radiographic grade correlated positively with trabecular spacing (r = 0.70), and negatively with maximum bending energy and degree of anisotropy (DA; r = −0.75, −0.78). Whole bone DA positively correlated with pre-yield stiffness and yield and bending moment energies (r = 0.46, 0.53 and 0.78). Whole bone trabecular spacing negatively correlated with pre-yield stiffness (r = −0.63) and yield and bending moment energies (r = −0.71, −0.85), while trabecular number positively correlated with pre-yield stiffness (r = 0.54).

    Discussion/Conclusion: With age, evidence of radiographic disease increased. Increasing disease severity was associated with trabecular disruption and deteriorating mechanical properties.

    Acknowledgement: Supported by Center for Equine Health, Oak Tree Racing Association, State of California Pari-Mutuel Fund, private donors, and Students Training in Advanced Research program - UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.


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