Assessment of radiographic positioning for the diagnosis of navicular disease in the horse.

This research article explores the effectiveness of different radiographic positions in diagnosing navicular disease in horses. It was found that a combination of the upright pedal view and the special navicular view provided the most effective results.

Objective of the Research

• The main purpose of the research was to establish the most effective radiographic positioning for diagnosing navicular disease in horses. The study assessed three standard radiographic views of the navicular bone, namely, the upright pedal view, high coronary view, and a special navicular view, in both normal horses and those affected by navicular disease.

Key Findings

• From the findings, the upright pedal view of the navicular bone produced optimum results when radiographs were taken using a grid at a pastern angulation of 20 degrees from the vertical. This suggests that this specific angulation offers the most clear and diagnostically useful images, potentially making identification and diagnosis of navicular disease more accurate.
• When using the high coronary view, the best results were achieved with an anode-film distance of 1 1000 mm and a tube-head angle of 50 degrees from the vertical. This configuration manages to capture the most appropriate and detailed images, assisting in the accurate diagnosis of the disease.
• The most satisfactory projection for the special navicular view, as described by Morgan, was found when using an anode-film distance of 900 mm, a tube-head angle of 55 degrees, and the primary beam centred between the bulbs of the heel.
• Importantly, for diagnosing navicular disease, a combination of the upright pedal view and the special navicular view seems to be the most useful and effective method. The combination likely offers a comprehensive visual representation of the bone structure and potential defects that may be associated with navicular disease.

Implications of the Study

• This research comes with significant implications for the equine veterinary field. Establishing the most effective radiographic positions to diagnose navicular disease could potentially lead to its earlier detection and treatment, thereby improving the quality of life and longevity of affected horses.
• The findings provide valuable insights for veterinary radiologists, who can now take the most efficient and useful images of the navicular bone for diagnostic purposes. Therefore, this can assist in the process of accurate diagnosis, as well as guide appropriate treatment decisions.