The Equine Orthopaedic Research Group is a multidisciplinary research group that brings together researchers from The University of Melbourne’s faculties of Science (Melbourne Veterinary School), Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, the Melbourne Data Analytics Platform, as well as CSIRO.
We employ a combination of computational modelling, epidemiological studies, detailed investigation of bone microstructure, and bone biomechanical properties to investigate the causes of musculoskeletal injury in athletic horses with the aim to develop practical preventative strategies for the equine industry.
Findings from the research group are continually incorporated into our clinical service to enhance equine health and performance for all Australian horses.
News
Contact
For enquiries, please email Professor Chris Whitton
cwhitton@unimelb.edu.au
Ph: +61 3 97312268
Fax: +61 3 97312246
Researchers and graduate research students in the Equine Orthopaedic Research Group.
Academic staff
Dr Charles Pagel
Graduate researchers
Dr Cathy Beck
Collaborators
Prof Peter Muir
Finite element modelling of CT
Dr Simon Harrison
Galloping limb loads and markerless motion capture.
Prof Susan Stover
Galloping limb loads
Dr Allen Page
Injury markers
Prof Tim Parkin
Injury epidemiology
Dr Euan Bennet
Injury epidemiology
Prof Mick Peterson and Mackenzie Rockefeller
Track surfaces
Research projects ongoing in the Equine Orthopaedic Research Group.
Research projects
- Development of a musculoskeletal model of galloping horses to calculate loads generated in the limb
- Identification of risk factors for racehorse and jockey injuries
- Monitoring of bone markers to understand injuries in horses competing in the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival
- CT imaging of limbs to determine fracture risk
- Investigating how bone in the fetlock joint responds to single and multiple loads
- Mathematical modelling of bone adaptation and repair
- Training workload practices of Victorian trainers and how this affects racehorse performance and injury
- Investigating the relationship between racehorse stride characteristics and injury