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Topic:Metacarpophalangeal Joint
Non-invasive electroarthrography measures cartilage in live horses and correlates to direct measurements of cartilage streaming potentials in weight bearing regions of equine metacarpophalangeal joints. To perform non-invasive Electroarthrography (EAG) on live horses and establish relationships between EAG and direct measurements of cartilage streaming potentials in weight bearing areas of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint. Methods: EAG was performed bilaterally on the metacarpophalangeal joints of live horses (n=3). Separate experiments used metacarpophalangeal joint explants (n=11) to measure EAG obtained during simulated loading followed by direct measurements of cartilage streaming potentials on joint surfaces using the Arthro-BST probe. Joints were assigned to relatively normal (n=5) ...
Computed Tomographic Evaluation of the Sagittal Ridge of the Third Metacarpal Bone in Young Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Longitudinal Study. Metacarpophalangeal joint region pain is a common cause of lameness in racehorses. Radiological abnormalities in the sagittal ridge (SR) of the third metacarpal bone have been associated with joint effusion, lameness and reduced sales prices. The aims were to describe computed tomographic (CT) appearance of the SR in racehorses, and to document the progression of these findings over three assessments. Forty yearlings were enrolled at the first examination (time 0). Re-examinations were performed twice, approximately six months apart on 31 (time 1) and 23 (time 2) horses, respectively. Computed...
Validation of a novel clinical tool for monitoring distal limb stiffness. To validate a novel technique to measure limb stiffness in a clinical setting. Unassigned: Three horses and three ponies owned by the Royal Veterinary College. Unassigned: Limb stiffness indices for both forelimbs were first derived using the gold standard of kinematic analysis. Using the same animals, limb stiffness indices were then calculated using portable floor scales to record weight and an electrogoniometer to record changes in metacarpophalangeal joint angle. The two techniques were then assessed for correlation and repeatability. Unassigned: The repeatability of limb stiffness measure...
Cone-beam computed tomography produces images of numerically comparable diagnostic quality for bone and inferior quality for soft tissues compared with fan-beam computed tomography in cadaveric equine metacarpophalangeal joints. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an emerging modality for imaging of the equine patient. The objective of this prospective, descriptive, exploratory study was to assess visualization tasks using CBCT compared with conventional fan-beam CT (FBCT) for imaging of the metacarpophalangeal joint in equine cadavers. Satisfaction scores were numerically excellent with both CBCT and FBCT for bone evaluation, and FBCT was numerically superior for soft tissue evaluation. Preference tests indicated FBCT was numerically superior for soft tissue evaluation, while preference test scoring for bone was ...
Use of equine cadaver limb models to enhance veterinary student self-efficacy during arthrocentesis. To determine if equine cadavers modified with joint distension would yield higher fluid volumes, require fewer needle redirects, and improve student self-efficacy. Methods: 19 third-year veterinary students. Methods: Voluntary participation was sought during 4 sessions of an equine arthrocentesis and diagnostic analgesia laboratory. Half of the sessions were provided with unmodified cadavers and half were provided with cadavers modified with joint distention. Prior to and after the laboratory, participating students completed surveys regarding their self-efficacy with arthrocentesis of the met...
The influence of a tension band fixation as an adjunct for arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint in the horse. To determine the influence of a stainless-steel cable (SSC) tension band fixation as an adjunct to a locking compression plate (LCP) for arthrodesis of the equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Methods: Experimental. An ex vivo biomechanical paired equine cadaver limb study. Methods: Five MCP joint pairs were collected from adult Thoroughbred horses, euthanized for reasons unrelated to orthopedic disease. Methods: Each pair of MCP joints were randomly implanted with either a dorsally placed 5.5 mm LCP and a palmarly placed 2.0 mm SSC or a dorsally placed 5.5 mm LCP alone. Each construc...
Immediate Effect of Hoof Trimming on Hoof and Thoracic Joint Angles in Mangalarga Mares. It is important to understand the effects of hoof trimming on hoof and limb conformation to maximize its benefits on the health of the appendicular skeleton of horses, thus promoting improvements in athletic performance and sporting longevity with regard to athletic horses. There is little information on possible changes in the angulation of the thoracic limb joints after hoof trimming and correlations between the angulation of the thoracic limb joints with hoof measurements. To that purpose, nineteen Mangalarga mares received routine hoof trimming. Visual recordings (photographs) were taken b...
Effect of shoeing horses with eggbar shoes and shoes with wedge pads on blood flow parameters in the lateral digital artery in the Doppler ultrasound. A sound knowledge of horseshoe impact on blood flow parameters is required for making shoeing decisions and selecting the most appropriate types of shoes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of horse shoeing with egg bar shoes and shoes with wedge pads on blood flow parameters in the lateral palmar digital artery measured by Doppler ultrasound. The study was conducted on 16 horses divided into two groups. Horses from group 1 were shod with egg bar shoes. Horses from group 2 were shod with shoes with wedge pads. Doppler ultrasound parameters of the lateral palmar digital artery at...
Proliferative tenosynovitis in Brazilian Mangalarga Marchador horses. Proliferative tenosynovitis (PT) is an inflammatory and proliferative disorder of the synovial membrane of the tendon sheath that is rare in animals. The histological alterations are characterized by multinodular neovascularization, with infiltration of histiocytic and multinucleated giant cells and haemosiderin deposition. We reviewed necropsy and biopsy records of horses submitted to the Setor de Anatomia Patológica of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro from January 2017 to December 2020 to select cases of PT. We identified PT in three adult Brazilian Mangalarga Marchador hors...
Evaluation of cartilage injury in horses with osteochondral fragments in the metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joint: A study on 823 arthroscopies. Osteochondral fragment removal is commonly performed but there are little scientific data supporting this procedure in the absence of clinical signs. More information is needed to facilitate clinical decision-making regarding fragment removal of the metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joint. Objective: To assess prevalence of cartilage injury in the equine metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joint and its association to fragment size, location, age and lameness. Methods: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Clinical records, including radiographs of 823 metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joints (640 ...
Equine osteoarthritis modifies fatty acid signatures in synovial fluid and its extracellular vesicles. Individual fatty acids (FAs) and their derivatives (lipid mediators) with pro-inflammatory or dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties have potential to influence the health of joint tissues. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-associated chronic joint disease that can be featured with altered FA composition in the synovial fluid (SF) of human patients. The counts and cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound particles released by synovial joint cells and transporting bioactive lipids, can also be modified by OA. The detailed FA signatures of SF and its EVs have remained unexp...
Expression of cannabinoid (CB1 and CB2) and cannabinoid-related receptors (TRPV1, GPR55, and PPARα) in the synovial membrane of the horse metacarpophalangeal joint. The metacarpophalangeal joint undergoes enormous loading during locomotion and can therefore often become inflamed, potentially resulting in osteoarthritis (OA). There are studies indicating that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) modulates synovium homeostasis, and could be a promising target for OA therapy. Some cannabinoid receptors, which modulate proliferative and secretory responses in joint inflammation, have been functionally identified in human and animal synovial cells. Unassigned: To characterize the cellular distribution of the cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1R) and 2 (CB2R), and the can...
Metacarpophalangeal Joint Pathology and Bone Mineral Density Increase with Exercise but Not with Incidence of Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fracture in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fracture is the leading cause of fatal musculoskeletal injury in Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong and the US. Efforts are underway to investigate diagnostic modalities that could help identify racehorses at increased risk of fracture; however, features associated with PSB fracture risk are still poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate third metacarpal (MC3) and PSB density and mineral content using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), Raman spectroscopy, and ash fraction measurements, and (2) investig...
Computed tomographic evaluation of the distal limb in the standing sedated horse: Technique, imaging diagnoses, feasibility, and artifacts. In several veterinary institutions, adjustments of CT machines have been made that allow for imaging of the standing horse. The risk of general anesthesia is eliminated and the shorter scan completion time reduces cost to clients. The objective of this retrospective, analytical study was to evaluate the technique, imaging diagnoses, feasibility, and image artifacts of multi-slice helical CT of horses' distal limbs acquired under standing sedation. The CT images of 250 horses of various breeds, aged 3-23 years, that underwent standing distal limb CT were evaluated. Three observers assessed the ...
The concentration of lidocaine and mepivacaine measured in synovial fluid of different joints of horses after single intra-articular injection. To determine the synovial fluid (SF) concentrations of lidocaine and mepivacaine after intra-articular injection with clinically relevant doses to the distal interphalangeal (DIP), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), middle carpal (MC), and tarsocrural (TC) joint at two different time points after injection in order to be able to compare concentrations with previously established concentrations associated with cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity. Unassigned: In the first of two experiments, 20 joints (5 MC, 5 MCP, 10 DIP joints) of five horses under general anesthesia were injected with clinically ...
Prevalence of radiographic changes in forelimb digits and metacarpophalangeal joints of South African endurance racehorses. If the number of events alone is considered, endurance riding is the fastest growing and the second-most popular Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) discipline. Lameness is the most common cause of elimination from endurance races worldwide. To the authors' knowledge, no studies have been published investigating the prevalence of radiographic changes in the forelimb digits and metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of endurance racehorses in South Africa. Unassigned: Investigate the prevalence of radiographic changes in the forelimb digits and MCP joints of South African endurance racehorses....
Counts of hyaluronic acid-containing extracellular vesicles decrease in naturally occurring equine osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease with inadequately understood pathogenesis leading to pain and functional limitations. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by synovial joint cells can induce both pro- and anti-OA effects. Hyaluronic acid (HA) lubricates the surfaces of articular cartilage and is one of the bioactive molecules transported by EVs. In humans, altered EV counts and composition can be observed in OA synovial fluid (SF), while EV research is in early stages in the horse-a well-recognized OA model. The aim was to characterize SF EVs and their HA cargo in 19 horses...
Ultrasonography of the Metacarpal/Tarsal-Phalangeal Joints in Healthy Racehorses: Normal Appearance, Breed-Related and Age-Related Features. In adult horses, specific ultrasound (US) features and reference values have been reported for the appearance of the joint cartilage and thickness according to the type of joint, such as femoropatellar and tarsocrural. The US appearance of the fetlock has been described in several diseases. The present research evaluates the US features of the metacarpal/tarsal-phalangeal joints in healthy racehorses according to age and breed, since no information is available in the literature. Seventy-one fetlocks in 28 healthy horses (15/28 thoroughbreds and 13/28 standardbreds) were assessed. The horses w...
Single-incision drilling technique to achieve hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal metacarpus – complications and outcome in 207 foals with metacarpophalangeal varus deformities. To report the outcome of foals treated for metacarpophalangeal varus deformity with a single-incision drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal lateral metacarpal physis. Methods: Retrospective case-control cohort study. Methods: Thoroughbred foals (n = 207), 171 age- and sex-matched maternal siblings. Methods: Medical records (2017-2020) were reviewed for signalment, limb(s) treated, location of the surgery, and any reported complications. Follow-up radiographs obtained for the yearling sale were assessed for abnormalities. Horses were matched to maternal siblings using an onl...
2D-SWE of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint Capsule in Horses. (1) Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) employs an ultrasound impulse to produce transversely oriented shear waves, which travel through the surrounding tissue according to the stiffness of the tissue itself. The study aimed to assess the reliability of 2D-SWE for evaluating the elastosonographic appearance of the distal attachment of the fetlock joint capsule (DJC) in sound horses and in horses with osteoarthritis (OA) (2). According to a thorough evaluation of metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ), adult horses were divided in a sound Group (H) and in OA Group (P). Thereafter, a 2D-S...
Cannabinoid receptors are expressed in equine synovium and upregulated with synovitis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of equine lameness. Cannabinoid (CB) receptors are now considered to be promising therapeutic targets in human rheumatology for pain and inflammation, however, little is known about the equine endocannabinoid system. Objective: The primary goal was to assess the presence and expression pattern of CB1 and CB2 in the synovium of healthy joints. A secondary goal was to explore the relationship between the CB expression, degree of synovitis and OA pathology. Methods: Ex vivo experimental study. Methods: Metacarpophalangeal joints (n = 25) from a tissue bank w...
Standardized uptake values and attenuation correction in 18 F-sodium fluoride PET of the equine foot and fetlock. Maximal standardized uptake values (SUV ) are commonly used for the interpretation of PET studies. Limited information regarding the SUV of F-NaF PET in horses is currently available in the literature. The goals of this retrospective secondary analysis study were to provide reference values for F-NaF SUV in the equine distal extremity and assess the effect of attenuation correction. Nonattenuation corrected (NAC) and CT-based attenuation corrected (CTAC) SUV were obtained from 19 feet and 19 fetlocks. Twenty regions of interest (ROIs) were defined for the foot and 22 for the fetlock. Areas p...
Biomechanical and Microstructural Properties of Subchondral Bone From Three Metacarpophalangeal Joint Sites in Thoroughbred Racehorses. Fatigue-induced subchondral bone (SCB) injury is common in racehorses. Understanding how subchondral microstructure and microdamage influence mechanical properties is important for developing injury prevention strategies. Mechanical properties of the disto-palmar third metacarpal condyle (MCIII) correlate poorly with microstructure, and it is unknown whether the properties of other sites within the metacarpophalangeal (fetlock) joint are similarly complex. We aimed to investigate the mechanical and structural properties of equine SCB from specimens with minimal evidence of macroscopic disease....
Effects of oral treatment with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in an experimental model of metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis in horses. Combined chondroitin sulfate (CS) and glucosamine (GlcN) has been widely used in oral formulations to prevent and treat osteoarthritis. CS is effective for controlling pain in osteoarthritic patients, whereas GlcN can stimulate glycosaminoglycan synthesis, thus reducing extracellular matrix degradation. Although several studies have been published on this topic, the effectiveness of treatment with oral CS and GlcN remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to analyze the progression of experimentally induced osteoarthritis in horses and verify the effectiveness of an oral compound base...
Kinematics of the equine distal sesamoid (navicular) bone of the thoracic limb. To quantify the translation and angular rotation of the distal sesamoid bone (DSB) using computed tomography (CT) and medical modeling software. Methods: 30 thoracic limbs from equine cadavers. Methods: Partial (n = 12), full (8), and matched full and subsequently transected (10) thoracic limbs were collected. Bone volume CT images were acquired in three positions: extension (200° metacarpophalangeal angle), neutral (180°), and maximal flexion (110°). Mean translation and angular rotation of each DSB were recorded. Differences were determined with two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's tests fo...
The effect of training on infrared thermographic images of the forelimb and hindlimb joints of healthy racehorses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of training on body surface temperature over the joints in racehorses, measured by infrared thermography. The study involved monitoring of 14 Thoroughbred racehorses in 6 imaging sessions over a period of 3 months. Temperature measurements of the forelimb and hindlimb joints were made before and just after training. Joint temperature of limbs increased significantly after training. Environmental temperature had a statistically significant influence on surface temperature over the joints. The lowest surface temperatures were recorded over the ...
Ultrasound screening protocol for osteochondrosis at selected predilection sites in thoroughbred yearlings. Osteochondrosis is a common condition of young horses where there is a failure of endochondral ossification, usually at predisposed sites. The estimated prevalence of osteochondrosis is 33-44%, with radiographic screening of yearlings being used to identify lesions. Radiography has two major limitations: poor sensitivity in detecting cartilaginous lesions and secondly, the exposure of the horse and personnel to ionising radiation. Ultrasonography allows imaging of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone margins and has been shown to be more sensitive in identifying osteochondrosis lesions...
Morphological analysis of third metacarpus cartilage and subchondral bone in Thoroughbred racehorses: An ex vivo study. Racehorses are exposed to repetitive overload during training and competition, causing joint hyperextension, tissue fatigue, and ultimately skeletal failure. Some degree of bone changes, such as sclerosis, are expected in equine athletes, as adaptation to the biomechanical rigors of training and racing. Understanding the imaging characteristics of the equine joint surface and subchondral bone would allow earlier detection of injuries or adaptation, improving prognosis and training programs. This study sought to describe the joint surface structural patterns and the periarticular structures of ...
Concentration of amikacin sulphate in synovial fluid when given in combination with dexamethasone phosphate in intravenous regional limb perfusion in standing horses. Eight horses underwent IVRLP at two occasions through a 23-gauge 2 cm long butterfly catheter. Regional anaesthesia of the ulnar, median and medial cutaneous antebrachial nerves was performed prior, and an 8 cm rubber tourniquet was placed on the proximal radius for 30 minutes following the infusion. The first infusion consisted of 2 g of amikacin sulphate and 10 mg of dexamethasone phosphate diluted with 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 100 ml. The second perfusion was performed after a 2-week washout period, the same protocol was used but without dexamethasone phosphate. Synovial fluid s...
The influence of the metacarpophalangeal joint angle on the transversal area and mean echogenicity of the superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament in gaited horses. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint angle on the transversal area (TA) and mean echogenicity (ME) of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and suspensory ligament (SL) in gaited horses. Ultrasound images were obtained from 50 healthy adult horses of the Mangalarga Marchador (MM; n=25) and Campeiro (n=25) breeds. Static and dynamic angles of the MCP joint were measured from photographs and video recordings. Higher ME values were evinced for the SL only in the group with the smaller dynamic angles of the MCP joint in the MM horses...
