Front fetlock joint angle (FA) measurement might predict musculoskeletal injury. This study aimed to identify an accurate reliable tool, and develop a consistent method for measuring the FA. Fetlock centre of rotation was identified radiographically. Goniometer measurements were validated on ten vertically fixed post-mortem distal forelimbs by positioning the centre of rotation of the goniometer on the approximate centre of rotation of the joint for five measurements of each FA at three day intervals and one measurement by another person (rater B). Both FA’s of fourteen sound horses standing squarely on a concrete floor were repeated before and after lifting the contralateral limb, which was flexed at the carpus and held at the same level as the carpus of the standing limb. Consistency of measurements was assessed using both fetlock joints of five horses standing squarely on a concrete floor measured six times in random order and then with the contralateral limb lifted using both front fetlocks of eight horses measured five times in random order. The repeatability coefficient was calculated with WinPepi v10.5 software. The centre of rotation was on or around the eminence of the lateral collateral ligament. The repeatability coefficient of the goniometer validation was 4.7°. The mean FA for rater A and B were not significantly different (161.4° versus 162.9°). FA’s were significantly less after lifting the contralateral limbs (P
Abdulrhman M. Alrtib, Helen M S Davies(7-2012)

Relationships between carpal morphology and carpal pathology might assist in identifying horses at risk of carpal pathology. This study was aimed to investigate the hypothesis that carpal morphology is related to the incidence of carpal pathology in racing Thoroughbreds. Ten carpal parameters were used to measure carpal morphology on dorsopalmar (DP) carpal radiographs. Radiographs were collected from 19 experienced Thoroughbred race horses with no evidence of carpal damage(normal)and 72 horses with carpal damage (clinical). All radiographs were at a defined position called zero degrees (ZDP) or within an acceptable rotational range. Based on a P-value of < 0.05 and using the false discovery rate method to control Type I error, two parameters showed significant differences between normal and clinical horses. The angulation of the radial metaphysis and distal radius in relation to the angulation of the radial facet of the third carpal bone (C3) was significantly related to the occurrence of pathology in the bones of the middle carpal joint in Thoroughbred race horses. This study presented important features on DP radiographs that allowed identification of a carpal conformation associated with carpal damage in Thoroughbred race horses. Using such a highly specific, cost-effective and safe technique as a routine for examining yearling Thoroughbreds would assist in identifying horses with carpal conformation unsuited to racing.
Aiman Hussein Saleh Oheida, Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, Mohamed Hamrouni S. Abushhiwa, Christopher J. Philip, Helen M.S. Davies(1-2022)

Several reports have discussed possible bony morphological causes of fetlock pathology but without relating them to its morphometry. Radiographic measurement is widely used in constructing numerical databases of bone morphometry. Such measurements would not be reliable unless all factors affecting the radiographs were considered. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a specific dorsopalmar view (DP) for fetlock radiographic measurements, and then to develop reliable and repeatable fetlock parameters that represent fetlock conformation on those DP radiographs. Ten cadaveric forelimbs from ten adult horses were cut at the distal third of the radius and mounted in a normal posture for DP radiography. Specific features on fetlock bones were used as landmarks to identify the DP at zero degrees. Other bony features were selected as landmarks for developing fetlock parameters on these radiographs. Twenty-seven parameters were designed in the form of angles (12) and ratios (15). The repeatability and consistency of each parameter was tested. A specific fetlock DP view was determined at zero degrees based on certain landmarks. All angular and ratio parameters showed high reliability and consistency in their measurements. The established parameters provide an opportunity to test the relationship between fetlock morphometrics and performance, or the likelihood of certain pathologies.
Abdulrhman Mohamed Salah Alrtib, Aiman Hussein Saleh Oheida, Mohamed Hamrouni S. Abushhiwa, Helen M S Davies(3-2019)