Analysis of strain and stress in the equine hoof capsule using finite element methods: comparison with principal strains recorded in vivo.

Finite-element (FE) methods have great potential in equine biomechanics in evaluating mechanical stresses and strains in tissues deep within the hoof. In this study, we critically assessed that potential by comparing results of FE analyses of capsular strain with in vivo data. Nine FE models were developed, corresponding to the shape of hooves for which in vivo principal strain data are available. Each model had the wall, laminar junction, sole and distal phalanx (PIII). In a first loading condition (LC1), force is distributed uniformly to the bearing surface of the wall to determine reaction forces and moment on PIII. These reaction forces were subsequently applied to PIII in loading condition 2 (LC2) to simulate loading via the skeleton. Magnitude of the force resultant was equivalent to the vertical force on the hoof at midstance. Principal compressive strains epsilon2 were calculated at the locations of 5 rosette gauges on the real hooves and are compared with the in vivo strains at midstance. FE strains were from 16 to 221% of comparable in vivo values, averaging 104%. All models in this, and reports by other workers, show predominance of stress and strain at the toe to a greater extent than in the real hoof. The primary conclusion is that FE modelling of strain in the hoof capsule or deeper tissues of individual horses should not be attempted without corroborating experimental data.

Stress/strain behaviour of the equine laminar junction.

The equine laminar junction plays a vital role in transferring the forces of weight-bearing between the epidermal hoof wall and the bone of the third phalanx, but the way in which it performs this function is poorly understood. Using samples from sites varying proximodistally and circumferentially around the hoof, the stress/strain behaviour of this tissue was characterised in three directions: radial tension and proximodistal and mediolateral shear. The influences of toe angle and length were also examined. For all three test directions, the modulus of elasticity increased with increasing strain magnitude. The mean modulus of elasticity in tension was 18.25+/-5.38 MPa (mean +/-1 S.D., N=116; mean strain 0. 25). In proximodistal shear, the mean shear modulus was 5.38+/-1.49 MPa (N=76; mean shear strain 0.48) and in mediolateral shear 2. 57+/-0.91 MPa (N=66; mean shear strain 0.81). In many cases, the individual hoof or horse from which the samples were taken significantly affected the value of the modulus, suggesting that mechanical history may affect the material properties of this tissue. Few biologically significant variations with location, toe length or toe angle were unambiguously demonstrated, suggesting that the material properties of the laminar junction are independent of position, despite apparent regional variations in function, and that foot shape is not a major determinant of material properties.

The modulus of elasticity of equine hoof wall: implications for the mechanical function of the hoof.

During normal weight-bearing and locomotion, the equine hoof wall deforms in a consistent pattern; the proximal dorsal wall rotates caudo-ventrally about the distal dorsal border and there is latero-medial flaring posteriorly. The aim of this study is to examine whether there are regional differences in the modulus of elasticity of hoof wall material and whether such differences correlate with the pattern of deformation which occurs in vivo. The modulus of elasticity of equine hoof wall was determined in tension and compression for samples from six forefeet. Samples were tested at the mid-point of the inner and outer halves of the wall thickness at two positions along the proximo-distal axis of the dorsal wall, and from the mid-point of its thickness at the lateral and medial quarters. Test samples were oriented both parallel and perpendicular to the tubules that characterise the microstructure of the wall. The colour of each sample was noted, and the moisture content measured. The range in the mean modulus of elasticity for all samples and tests was 460-1049 MPa, the dorsal outer wall having the highest values, the dorsal inner wall the lowest, and the quarters having intermediate values. The mean value obtained for the quarters was similar to the average of the values for the dorsal inner and outer walls. At all sites, the modulus of elasticity was marginally higher in compression than in tension, possibly owing to microstructural defects. The difference in stiffness between the outer wall and the inner wall was inversely related to moisture content. The difference in stiffness between the dorsal outer and inner walls demonstrates that the equine hoof wall has a comparatively rigid external capsule with a lining of lower stiffness. This arrangement presumably provides some stress protection to the internally adjacent living tissues. The similarity in stiffness between the samples from the quarters and the mean of the two dorsal wall sites suggests that the wall at the quarters has a similar change in stiffness across its thickness as the dorsal wall. However, the reduced thickness of the wall at the quarters compared with the dorsal wall means that, functionally, the quarters are more flexible than the dorsal wall. This will facilitate the flaring of the lateral and medial walls which occurs during weight-bearing. Anisotropy was evident only in tensile tests of the dorsal wall samples. Contrary to popular assertions that white hooves are mechanically inferior, horn pigmentation had no detectable effect on stiffness.