Radiographic assessment of equine interphalangeal joints asymmetry: articular impact of asymmetric bearings (Part II).

This study is part of a work to develop a radiographic method that defines objectively the individual conformation of an equine digit and its appropriate trimming. The authors used isolated distal limbs fastened on a rotation support with variable inclinations to study the influence of induced asymmetric bearings on various angles measured from specific radiographs. The digit responded to asymmetric bearings by 1. deformation of the hoof; 2. rotation of the phalanges; and 3. joint asymmetry or local articular space narrowing. The two last situations occurred mainly in the distal interphalangeal joint. Some of the angles mentioned above allow quantification of interphalangeal articular asymmetry, angular deformity and rotational deviation of a distal limb.