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Related Concept Videos

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The equine hind limb is actively stabilized during standing.

Simon O Schuurman1, Wim Kersten, Wim A Weijs

  • 1Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, PO Box 80157, 3508 TD Utrecht, Netherlands.

Journal of Anatomy
|May 13, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Horses stabilize their hind limbs using a passive locking mechanism in the stifle joint. The vastus medialis muscle provides minimal but crucial support during weight-bearing for this equine leg stabilization.

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Area of Science:

  • Equine biomechanics
  • Animal locomotion
  • Veterinary orthopedics

Background:

  • Horses exhibit prolonged standing, suggesting passive limb stabilization without constant muscle exertion.
  • The stifle (knee) and hock (tarsal) joints are critical for weight-bearing and locomotion in horses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the passive locking mechanism hypothesis for equine stifle and hock joint stabilization.
  • To determine the role of the patella and vastus medialis muscle in maintaining hind limb stance.

Main Methods:

  • Experiments were conducted on anesthetized horses and isolated limbs.
  • Muscle activity was monitored in vivo during static limb placement and weight-bearing.
  • Forces required for joint stabilization were assessed.

Main Results:

  • The stifle and hock joints flexed under compression in anesthetized and isolated limbs.
  • A passive lock mechanism involving the patella and medial femoral trochlea was identified.
  • The vastus medialis muscle demonstrated minimal, but essential, activity during weight-bearing to stabilize the stifle joint.

Conclusions:

  • A passive stifle joint lock mechanism contributes significantly to equine limb stabilization.
  • The vastus medialis muscle plays a critical role in active stabilization during weight-bearing, requiring minimal force.
  • Overactivity of the vastus medialis muscle should be considered in diagnosing and treating patellar fixation disorders in horses.