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Creating a 3D Model to Study Equine Lameness
Author(s) -
Lee Alexander K. K.,
Uhl Elizabeth W.,
Osborn Michelle L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.453.19
Subject(s) - lameness , 3d model , computer science , kinematics , biomechanics , animation , visualization , 3d modeling , anatomy , orthodontics , computer vision , artificial intelligence , computer graphics (images) , medicine , surgery , physics , classical mechanics
Chronic lamenesses in horses are often managed but not effectively treated. We hypothesize that (1) a causal relationship exists between the forces created by aberrant biomechanical positions and movements, and degenerative joint diseases, and (2) adjusting the aberrant biomechanics will treat the lameness. As a first step in testing our hypotheses, we have constructed a computer model using equine CT data to model full body positions and gaits that may be related to various equine lamenesses. 3D equine bone models were reconstructed from equine CT data obtained from the University of Georgia and Louisiana State University using the 3D visualization and analysis software, Avizo®. The bone models were imported into Autodesk® Maya® for repositioning of the full skeleton. In Autodesk® Maya®, a full 3D rig was attached to the model to allow for accurate positioning and animation. The ribbon spine technique was used on the spine and neck of the model to allow for accurate positioning with the ability to rotate and bend the spine. The rig was adopted to be manipulated using controls for easier and quicker positioning. To create a trot animation using the model, still frames from Muybridge were used as reference; and the model was matched to the positioning in the photos. Once key positions were set, an animation could be rendered. To demonstrate the utility of the model, we used it to compare the habitual standing posture of a horse with a left front anatomical club foot to that of a horse with normal front limb anatomy using photographs taken from different angles. The model demonstrated there were whole body postural effects of the anatomical club foot in that the horse's vertebral column was bent around the limb with the club foot and the pelvis tilted so the opposite hip was slightly raised. The limb with the club foot was also rotated laterally, which further exacerbated the club shape of the hoof by increasing the stress impacting its lateral wall. Identification of these secondary postural affects allowed them to be targeted and effectively resolved through rehabilitative exercises, which greatly diminished the negative impact of the anatomic abnormality. Our future goal is to further expand the usefulness of the model for 3D biomechanical analysis of equine lameness and to develop a protocol for 3D model creation that can be adopted and edited for use in various animal or human studies. Support or Funding Information Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine Charles V. Cusimano Equine Health Studies Program This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal .