(G-276) Equine Fetlock Replacement Joint

Introduction::

The Equine Fetlock Replacement (EFR) is a joint replacement for the fetlocks of horses. This joint experiences a significant amount of stress and is critical to the normal function of a horse. As a result horses commonly develop arthritis within this joint at a young age. Currently, there is not a treatment method available to eradicate this disease, all treatments revolve around pain management and slowing the progression of the condition. Our device aims to remove the disease at the source and replace the joint entirely, allowing the patient to regain full mobility and function.

Materials and Methods:: Our team employed a variety of methods to develop a feasible design that would be able to both tolerate the loads of the average Quarter Horse and exhibit the full range of motion of the natural joint. Photogrammetry and 3D modeling were used to develop a working model of the fetlock joint of a Quarter Horse, 3D printing was used for prototyping, and both Static Nonlinear FEA and mechanical testing were employed to test the validity of the design. Live models, educational veterinary tools, and horse bones were used as a basis for ground reaction forces, range of motion, and sizing.
The EFR would be made out of two materials, Medical Grade Titanium and Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE). There are three components that make up the device; the canon stem, the long pastern stem, and the synthetic cartilage. Medical Grade Titanium is used for the two stem components due to its biocompatibility, high strength, resistance to fracture, and ability as a second generation material to fuse with the bone tissue. UHMWPE will be used for the cartilage component due to its biocompatibility, wear resistance, and high flexibility. At this time we have been unable to manufacture a finished product due to the budget constraints from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. However, analyses have been performed on simulated models to determine their load capacities, and we have determined that the materials would be able to handle the everyday loads of the average horse.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: Through the aforementioned methods, we have designed the first universal joint replacement for a horse. When implanted, this device will save the lives of thousands of horses, increase the quality of life of the patient, and extend the number of working years of the animal. After consulting with veterinarians, we are confident that the implantation of the device would be feasible, and the patient would be able to exhibit a full recovery. With this device, we will not only be saving lives, we will also be paving the way for the limited field of veterinary prosthetics to grow and develop.

Acknowledgements (Optional): : Our team would like to formally thank Dr. Joe Fujiou Lo of the University of Michigan-Dearborn for his guidance and Dr. Peter Esterline and Dr. Ashley Pfeifer of Kern Road Veterinary Clinic for their expertise.

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