Computed tomographic study analysing functional biomechanics in the thoracolumbar spine of horses with and without spinal pathology

Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, vol. 53, pp. e13016

Abstract

To better understand physiological and pathological movement patterns in the equine thoracolumbar spine, investigation of the biomechanics on a segmental level requires a constant moment. A constant moment along the spinal column means that the same torque acts on each vertebral segment, allowing the range of motion of different segments to be compared. The aims of this study were to investigate the range of motion of the equine thoracolumbar spine in horses with and without spinal pathology and to examine whether the pressure between the spinous processes depends on the direction of the applied moment. Thoracolumbar spine specimens (T8-L4) of 23 horses were mounted in a custom-made mechanical test rig to investigate spinal biomechanics during lateral bending, axial rotation, flexion and extension using computed tomographic imaging. Results were compared between horses with spondylosis, overriding spinous processes and specimens free of gross pathology. The interspinous space pressure was additionally determined using a foil sensor. The median lateral bending between T9 and L3 was 3.7°-4.1° (IQR 5.4°-8.0°). Maximum rotational movement with inconsistent coupled motion was observed at T9-T16 (p < 0.05). The dorsoventral range of motion was greatest in segments T9-T11 (p < 0.05). Spondylosis and overriding spinous processes restricted spinal mobility, depending on the severity of the condition. There was no significant difference in interspinous pressure during motion (p = 0.54). The biomechanical study confirmed that the range of motion of intervertebral joints depends on the anatomical position of the joint and the direction of the moment applied. Restricted mobility was evident in the presence of different grades of overriding spinous processes or spondylosis. A better understanding of equine spinal biomechanics in horses with spinal pathology facilitates individual rehabilitation.

Authors 10

1. Natalie Baudisch corresponding

   Freie Universität Berlin

   Affiliation as printed

   Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine Berlin Germany

2. Lukas Schneidewind

   Technische Universität Berlin

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair Machinery System Design Technische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany

3. Sophie Becke

   Technische Universität Berlin

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair Machinery System Design Technische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany

4. Milena Overhoff

   Technische Universität Berlin

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair Machinery System Design Technische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany

5. Dennis Tettke

   Technische Universität Berlin

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair Machinery System Design Technische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany

6. Viola Gruben Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Medical Engineering and Technomathematics University of Applied Sciences Aachen Jülich Germany

7. F. Eichler

   Freie Universität Berlin

   Affiliation as printed

   Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine Berlin Germany

8. Henning Jürgen Meyer

   Technische Universität Berlin

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair Machinery System Design Technische Universität Berlin Berlin Germany

9. Christoph Johannes Lischer

   Freie Universität Berlin

   Affiliation as printed

   Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine Berlin Germany

10. Anna Ehrle

    Freie Universität Berlin

    Affiliation as printed

    Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine Berlin Germany