Alterations in Equine Middle Phalanx Angle Following Alterations to the Palmar Angles–A Cadaveric Study

Introduction: Alteration in palmar angles results in changes to the phalangeal angles of the equine digit. The objective of this descriptive study was to evaluate the alterations in middle phalanx (P2) angles due to changes in the palmar angles in equine cadaver forelimbs.

Materials and Methods: P2 angles were measured on lateromedial radiographs obtained from 13 cadaver limbs at baseline and following 2, 4, and 6 degree increases in palmar angle (PA) and 2 and 4 degree decreases in PA under 1000, 2000 and 5000 Newtons (N) of force. The results were expressed as means and percentage differences from baseline and mixed model with post-hoc multiple comparisons were utilized for statistical analysis.

Results: Elevation of heel and toe showed p < 0.001 for all different degrees compared with the baseline. In summary, the P2 angle decreases with all heel and toe degrees of elevation. (2< -4<- 2<4<6 degrees). The mean difference in heel elevation compared with baseline was 11.7% for 2 degrees, 16.6% for 4 degrees and 21% for 6 degrees and for toe elevation 15.4% for 2 degrees and 13.3% for 4 degrees. There is also a statistical difference (P>0.001) among all three different applied forces, when an increase in force promotes a decrease in P2 angles in all different tested palmar angles.

Discussion/Conclusion: The results of this study showed a decrease in the middle phalanx angle after all tested alterations in the palmar angle. This study can be useful for managing shoeing recommendations for horses with injuries in the distal forelimb.

Acknowledgment:

Thanks to the College Research Council for funding this project.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 April 2024