Ex vivo calibration and validation of in vivo equine bone strain measures

Abstract

Reasons for performing study: Data are required to confirm that strain gauges recording high bone strains in Thoroughbred racehorses provide an accurate record of bone strain. Objective: To test the accuracy and reliability of very high in vivo strain recordings made during fast exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Strains were recorded during exercise from rosette gauges implanted onto the mid-shaft dorsal cortex of each third metacarpal bone (MC3) in 6 yearling and 6 mature Thoroughbreds in a previous experiment. Bulk elastic modulus (EUS) was calculated from ultrasound speed and single photon absorptiometry measures. Each cleaned MC3 with the original gauge in situ and new gauges..