The mechanisms and consequences of structural failure of the foot

This article is an in depth review of the causes, mechanisms, and consequen ces of mechanical failure of the foot in chronic laminitis. The structural strength, loading, and kinetic responses of the normal foot to the loading forces are described and used as the basis for discussion of digital collap se. The rotational and vertical displacement and digital instability of the distal phalanx and hoof wall are presented and described as the origin of the internal morphologic alterations affecting the coronary band, laminar i nterface, and solar regions.