Construction of a Realistic, Whole-Body, Three-Dimensional Equine Skeletal Model using Computed Tomography Data

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical modeling
• Equine functional anatomy
• Veterinary orthopedics

Background:

• Whole-body biomechanical assessments are crucial for human athlete injury prevention and rehabilitation.
• Similar approaches are underutilized in equine athletic injury studies.
• Chronic postural dysfunction can lead to osteoarthritis via mechanical stress, often originating distantly from the injury site.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize whole-body equine kinematics using a realistic 3D skeletal model.
• To enable functional anatomical and biomechanical modeling for equine research.
• To identify postures associated with degenerative tissue changes and those reducing mechanical stress.

Main Methods:

• Reconstruction of equine computed tomography (CT) data into individual 3D bone datasets.
• Assembly of 3D datasets into a complete equine skeletal model using visualization software.
• Rigging and animation of the model using specialized software for functional analysis.

Main Results:

• A detailed, animatable 3D equine skeletal model was successfully developed.
• The model can characterize postures linked to degenerative tissue issues and mechanical stress.
• Animated (4D) models can demonstrate healthy and unhealthy skeletal movements.

Conclusions:

• The 3D equine skeletal model is a valuable tool for understanding biomechanics related to lameness.
• It facilitates the development of individualized, preventative, and rehabilitative therapies for horses.
• The protocol guides the creation and application of such models for diverse research needs.