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The Biomechanics of Multiple Limb Lameness: Separating Compensatory and Secondary
By
Kevin G. Keegan, DVM, MS, DACVS |
Updated on
|
Compensatory Lameness,
Data Interpretation,
KG Keegan,
Multiple Limb Lameness,
Secondary Lameness
Image from Encyclopædia Britannica. William of Ockham [Image]. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Occams-razor#/media/1/424706/194403 First Published: 02/23/2017 “Entia non sunt multiplicanda praetor necessitatum.” Ockham’s Razor, translated (roughly) as “more things should not be used than are necessary”, is attributed to a 14th century friar/philosopher, William of Ockham. (In this context, “razor” means principle not a sharp cutting tool). It is also known as “the principle of parsimony”, which states a general scientific maxim offered by most great scientists before and after Ockham – including Ptolomy, Newton, and Einstein. What does this have to do with equine lameness? We can use this...
Diagnostic Blocks: Evaluating with Objective Data
By
Laurie Tyrrell-Schroeder, DVM |
Updated on
|
Block AIDE,
Data Interpretation,
Diagnostic Blocks,
Locked,
LT Schroeder,
OES Members Only
Diagnostic analgesia is an important part of the lameness evaluation, and, arguably, evaluating the effects of blocks is one of the greatest benefits of using objective measurement. Using objective measurement allows more accurate assessment of improvement, and prevents human bias from influencing interpretation. The Lameness Locator software includes interpretive assistance algorithms (known as the part of the AIDE) that calculate percent improvement from a particular block, as well as a change in timing in forelimb lameness. Before explaining how the blocking algorithms work, let’s first review some important considerations and protocols one should follow as part of the...
FAQ: Why does the Trial AIDE that evaluates for compensatory lameness patterns suggest a primary lameness in some trials but not others when the patterns of asymmetry are the same?
By
Laurie Tyrrell-Schroeder, DVM |
Updated on
|
Compensatory Lameness,
Data Interpretation,
Law of Sides,
Locked,
LT Schroeder,
Multiple Limb Lameness
The multiple limb algorithms that are part of straight line AIDE statements and evaluate for known compensatory lameness are conservative in nature – meaning the algorithm leans toward not suggesting a primary limb unless there is a high degree of evidence. The first criteria for suggesting a primary limb is the presence of a known compensatory pattern. In Figure 1, a forelimb lameness with an opposite hind limb push off lameness is a known compensatory pattern for a primary forelimb lameness. The suggestion of primary forelimb is offered in the first trial but not the second. Why is...
Evaluating Bilateral Lameness with Inertial Sensors
By
Kevin G. Keegan, DVM, MS, DACVS |
Updated on
|
Bilateral Lameness,
Data Interpretation,
KG Keegan,
Locked,
OES Members Only
Any system or method that measures lameness as asymmetry will not be able to detect with high sensitivity or measure with high precision forelimb or hind limb lameness that is truly bilateral – especially if the lameness severity is distributed evenly between right and left limbs in every stride. This is true for all methods – including body-mounted inertial sensors, line-of-site kinematic analysis (video), and the stationary force plate. It is the method (measuring asymmetry), not the equipment, that produces these results. Here is an example. A horse with a hypothetical grade 3 lameness in the right limb...
All
The Biomechanics of Multiple Limb Lameness: Separating Compensatory and Secondary
Diagnostic Blocks: Evaluating with Objective Data
Evaluating Bilateral Lameness with Inertial Sensors
FAQ: Is There a Correlation Between Q Lameness Metrics and the AAEP Scale?
Quick Guide to Common Lunge Patterns
FAQ: What Does It Mean When the Forelimb Plot Lines Fall on the Horizontal Axis?
Multiple Limb Lameness: A Look at the Reasons, Prevalence, and Distribution