Strain Analysis of the Equine Metacarpal Bone Diaphysis

Diaphyseal third metacarpal fractures are common injuries in horse. The purpose of this study was to determine the strain values from proximal to distal on the medial and lateral regions of Mc3 diaphysis. Left Mc3 256 mm length was used. Strain gages were located on the lateral and medial regions of the bone diaphysis. Diaphyseal length was 204 mm and strain gauges were spaced at 4 cm intervals. Strain gauges were numbered from proximal to distal. The 500-1000-1200-1600 ve 1800 N forces were applied on the bone with using computer aided Instron 4301 instrument with 5 kN capacity. Strains on the lateral side were observed to be compressive and on the medial side they were tensile. Compressive strains on lateral regions were significantly higher than tensile strains on medial regions. Maximum strain values were found on the distal ends in both sides of the diaphysis and distal lateral end of the bone has maximum strain.