Three-dimensional carpal kinematics of trotting horses

• Published in: Equine veterinary journal 2004-12, Vol.36 (8), p.671-676
• Main Authors: CLAYTON, H. M., SHA, D., STICK, J. A., MULLINEAUX, D. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; carpus; Carpus, Animal - anatomy & histology; Carpus, Animal - physiology; helical angles; horse; Horses - anatomy & histology; Horses - physiology; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - veterinary; kinematics; locomotion; Locomotion - physiology; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Rotation
• ISSN: 0425-1644; 2042-3306
• DOI: 10.2746/0425164044848037

Summary Reasons for performing study: Descriptions of 3D kinematics assist in understanding joint function and dysfunction, and are an essential step toward 3D inverse dynamic analysis. Objectives: To measure 3D carpal joint motion during trotting. Methods: Three‐dimensional trajectories of bone‐fixed markers on the radius and third metacarpus of the right forelimb of 3 healthy horses were recorded at 120 Hz using a 6‐camera analysis system. Joint kinematics were calculated in terms of helical angles between the 2 segments using a spatial attitude method. Results: All horses showed carpal extension and internal rotation of the metacarpus relative to the radius as the carpus assumed the close‐packed position. In late stance, the carpus began a cycle of flexion that continued through midswing, accompanied by a small cycle of internal rotation. The direction of abduction/adduction varied between horses. The predominant rotational movement was flexion/extension, which showed a range of motion of 15 ± 6° in stance and 76 ± 13° in swing. Conclusions: Carpal motions were generally similar between horses with the exception of abduction/adduction. Potential relevance: Knowledge of carpal joint motion should assist in understanding the pathogenesis of carpal injuries. However, it seems probable that real differences exist between individuals; therefore, further investigations of the effect of conformation on carpal motion should be performed in a much larger population of horses.