Cross-Sectional Geometry of Equine Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones

Fractures of metacarpal and metatarsal bones are very common in horses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cross-sections and the cross-sectional moment of inertia and to determine the resistance to bending moments from proximal to distal on diaphyseal regions of Mc(3) and Mt(3) bones. Computed tomography images were taken from 10 mm apart cross sections of the diaphyses of bones. Cross sectional surface area and moment of inertia were estimated and variations were observed from proximal to the distal of the diaphyses. The results indicate that Mt(3) has more strong construct than Mc(3) especially in dorsal and plantar bendings but has more resistance to mediolateral bendings than Mc(3).