In-shoe foot force sensor to assess hoof balance determined by radiographic method in ponies trotting on a treadmill.

Adaptation of an in-foot shoe force sensor and the gait analysis system 'Fscan' makes it possible to monitor the distribution of the vertical forces under the equine foot in motion. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of two different trimmings on forces under the foot during the trot. The first one increased the height of the lateral hoof wall and the second one restored the mediolateral balance of the foot. These two trimmings were examined by using a radiographical method that quantifies the interphalangeal articular asymmetries due to asymmetrical bearing. The location of the centre of force of the weight-bearing foot and the distribution of the forces applied to the lateral and medial solar surfaces during a stride were analyzed. After optimal trimming, the centre of force of the weight-bearing foot tended to approach the centre of the palmar figure, perpendicular to the distal interphalangeal joint centre. The sum of the forces recorded under the lateral and medial parts respectively of the foot during one stride tended to balance out after corrective trimming.

Radiological assessment of the effects of a full rolling motion shoe during asymmetrical bearing.

The authors used a new radiological method to assess asymmetrical articular compression of the interphalangeal joints. This method was based on the measurements of 3 angles obtained on dorsopalmar radiographs. Variations of these angles were studied during experimental asymmetrical bearing on unshod feet. It was concluded that 2 angles were interesting parameters to assess asymmetrical articular compression and to define the position of the phalanx in the horny box. Furthermore, variations of these angles induced by experimental asymmetrical bearing were compared without shoe, with a standard shoe and with an orthopaedic full rolling motion shoe. It was observed that the effects of the asymmetrical bearing were reduced when feet were shod with a full rolling motion shoe.