Casting techniques of equine hand and foot synovial cavities for the development of teaching models.
Authors: Velásquez José Miguel, Tamayo-Arango Lynda, Santos-Silva Thamires, Miglino Maria Angelica
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Understanding the precise anatomy of equine carpal, tarsal, and digital joints—including their synovial recesses, tendon sheaths, and associated bursae—is fundamental for effective clinical diagnosis, surgical planning, and teaching, yet three-dimensional models have been limited. Velásquez and colleagues compared four casting materials (methyl methacrylate, flexible epoxy resin, Smooth-Cast 300, and latex) combined with biological maceration using dermestid beetles and traditional dissection to create anatomically accurate replicas of metacarpophalangeal, interphalangeal, carpal, and tarsal joint cavities, along with digital flexor sheaths and subtendinous bursae. All joints and associated structures were successfully visualised and replicated, with methyl methacrylate proving superior for delineating smaller cavities with precision, whilst latex offered a pragmatic, cost-effective alternative for larger spaces; importantly, dermestid beetle maceration eliminated reliance on harsh chemical processing and toxic fumes. For equine professionals—particularly those involved in teaching, clinical decision-making around joint injections, or understanding lameness—these casting models provide tangible, reusable tools for grasping the three-dimensional architecture of synovial structures and their spatial relationships with tendons and ligaments. The authors' advocacy for biological maceration also aligns with sustainable, safer laboratory practice, making this approach accessible to educational institutions with limited resources.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Teaching models created through joint casting improve understanding of synovial cavity boundaries and relationships to other structures—essential for surgical planning and injection techniques
- •Methyl methacrylate offers superior detail for smaller joints but consider latex as a budget-friendly alternative for larger structures when teaching resources are limited
- •Biological maceration via beetle colonies is more sustainable and safer than chemical methods, making it viable for routine model production in veterinary schools
Key Findings
- •Methyl methacrylate was most effective for filling smaller joint cavities with precision in carpus, tarsus, and interphalangeal joints
- •Latex provided cost-effective results for larger cavities including tendon sheaths and bursae
- •Biological maceration using dermestid beetles successfully exposed metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint structures without chemical waste generation
- •All synovial cavities, tendon sheaths, and bursae of the equine hand and foot were successfully cast and visualized using combined techniques