One primary challenge when diagnosing and managing osteoarthritis is accurate assessment of the quality of cartilage in the patient. Researchers from the Ontario Veterinary College and the University of Toronto believe they can advance cartilage assessment with their groundbreaking work on a novel non-invasive technique called electroarthrography.
The technology
EAG is a revolutionary approach that utilizes electrodes attached to the skin around a joint to detect the electrical signals produced by the cartilage during loading. These electrical signals, known as EAG signals, reflect the biomechanical properties of the cartilage, such as its stiffness and permeability, allowing researchers to gain valuable insights into the health of the cartilage.
Source: Innovative Veterinary Care Journal, August 5, 2024. Link. Extending their work further, the researchers have combined EAG measurements with center of pressure testing, which measures the distribution of force under the horse’s hoof when it stands or walks.
Researchers believe EAG and COP testing have the potential to revolutionize the way veterinarians diagnose and manage osteoarthritis in horses.”