Differences in the Morphology of the Distal Phalanx Are Not Reflected on the Distal Sesamoid Bone in Young Equines

Abstract

Correlations in distal phalanx and distal sesamoid area and shape were explored through the decomposition of coordinate data into elliptic Fourier coefficients. For this purpose, 10 equine distal sesamoid bones and distal phalanges on their solar aspect, belonging to young animals (< 24 months) of “Cavall Pirinenc Català†breed, were studied. This is a local equine breed for meat purposes ranged in extensive management in NE Spain. Distal sesamoid and distal phalanx did not appear interrelated, either in area or in shape, so the differences in the morphology of the distal phalanx were not reflected in the morphology of the distal sesamoid bone. Lack of correlation could possibly be due to youth of animals. This study should be extended to older animals, as well as to horses affected by foot problems and also it could be proposed for longitudinal evaluations if obtention of images in vivo (i.e. echography) were standardized.