Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the three-dimensional shape and subchondral bone mineral density (BMD) variation of the equine distal third metacarpal bone (MC3) using a statistical shape model. The association between form and function builds upon previous two-dimensional observations of MC3 epiphyseal structure. It was expected that the main source of variation would be an increase in overall MC3 bone size, correlated to an increase in subchondral BMD. Geometry and bone mineral density was obtained from CT image data of 40 healthy Thoroughbred horses. This was used to create a statistical shape model, in which the first ten components described 75% of the variation in geometry and BMD. The first principal component described an increase in overall size of the MC3 distal epiphysis, coupled with higher BMD on the disto-palmar and dorso-proximal surfaces. The second component was qualitatively described as an increased convexity of the sagittal ridge at the dorsal junction of the epiphysis and the metaphysis, coupled to increased BMD in that region. The third component showed an increase in lateral condylar surface area relative to medial condylar area. As the condyle reduced in relative surface area, the BMD at both dorsal condyles increased. The statistical shape analysis produced a compact description of 3-D shape and sub-chondral bone mineral density variation for the third metacarpal bone. This study uniquely illustrates the shape variations in a sample population of MC3 bones, and the corresponding changes in subchondral BMD.

Highlights

  • The equine metacarpo-phalangeal joint is the most common site of injury in the forelimb of the Thoroughbred racehorse [1,2,3]

  • Shape modeling of equine metacarpal bone and fracture risk are affected by both bone size and epiphyseal bone geometry [12,13,14]

  • The model uses principal component analysis (PCA) to characterize the principal components of shape and bone mineral density (BMD) variation [24, 28].The first objective of this study was to describe the shape and subchondral BMD variation of the equine distal MC3 bone using a statistical shape model

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The equine metacarpo-phalangeal (fetlock) joint is the most common site of injury in the forelimb of the Thoroughbred racehorse [1,2,3]. Lateral condylar fracture of the distal third metacarpal (MC3) or metatarsal (MT3) bone is the most common fatal fracture site for all types of race [4]. Most condylar fractures occur as an endpoint of stress-induced bone adaptation due to cyclic, cumulative loading [5,6,7,8]. Shape modeling of equine metacarpal bone and fracture risk are affected by both bone size and epiphyseal bone geometry [12,13,14]. The relationship between equine MC3 morphology (size and geometry) and site-specific bone adaptation leading to fracture requires further investigation

Objectives
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call