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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(7); 1064; doi: 10.3390/ani14071064

Characterization of Normal Bone in the Equine Distal Limb with Effective Atomic Number and Electron Density Determined with Single-Source Dual Energy and Detector-Based Spectral Computed Tomography.

Abstract: Single-source dual energy (SSDECT) and detector-based spectral computed tomography (DBSCT) are emerging technologies allowing the interrogation of materials that have different attenuation properties at different energies. Both technologies enable the calculation of effective atomic number (EAN), an index to determine tissue composition, and electron density (ED), which is assumed to be associated with cellularity in tissues. In the present prospective observational study, EAN and ED values were determined for 16 zones in normal subchondral and trabecular bone of 37 equine cadaver limbs. Using both technologies, the following findings were obtained: 1. palmar/plantar EAN zone values in the fetlock increased significantly with increasing age of the horse; 2. all EAN and ED values were significantly lower in the trabecular bone than in the subchondral bone of all phalanges; 3. in the distal phalanx and navicular bone, most EAN and ED values were significantly lower compared to the proximal and middle phalanx; and 4. some EAN and ED values were significantly different between front and hind limbs. Several EAN and ED values significantly differed between SSDECT and DBSCT. The reported EAN and ED values in the subchondral and trabecular bone of the equine distal limb may serve as preliminary reference values and aid future evaluation and classification of diseases.
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Publication Date: 2024-03-30 PubMed ID: 38612304PubMed Central: PMC11010807DOI: 10.3390/ani14071064Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study uses emerging technologies, considered Single-source Dual Energy (SSDECT) and Detector-Based Spectral Computed Tomography (DBSCT), to examine the composition and cellularity of horse bone tissue. The research found certain key differences in effective atomic number and electron density values in different zones of the equine bone, highlighting their potential use in future disease diagnosis and classification.

Understanding the Research

The research involved the use of two emerging technologies – Single-source Dual Energy (SSDECT) and Detector-Based Spectral Computed Tomography (DBSCT). These technologies have the capacity to investigate materials possessing differing attenuation properties at various energy levels.

Key to this research are the concepts of Effective Atomic Number (EAN) and Electron Density (ED). EAN serves as an index to identify tissue composition, while ED is associated with cellularity in tissues.

Through the research, EAN and ED values were identified for distinct zones in the subchondral and trabecular bone of 37 equine cadaver limbs.

Main Findings

The research yielded several noteworthy findings:

  • The EAN zone values in the fetlock (a joint area in the horse leg) increased noticeably with the horse’s age.
  • EAN and ED values were significantly lower in trabecular bone compared to subchondral bone – these are two specific types of bone comprising different parts of the bone structure.
  • Most EAN and ED values were significantly lesser in the distal phalanx, and navicular bone as compared to the proximal and middle phalanx. These areas represent different sections of the horse’s foot.
  • Differences were also observed in EAN and ED values between front and hind limbs of the horse.
  • The application of SSDECT and DBSCT resulted in differing EAN and ED values, indicating differences in the two methodologies.

Implications and Future Applications

The EAN and ED values discovered through this research can serve as initial reference values to aid future studies. Moreover, these findings could also be potentially helpful in the assessment and classification of bone diseases. Observing these changes in bone tissue characteristics may provide valuable insights into the underlying cause of various bone conditions in equines.

Cite This Article

APA
Steiner J, Richter H, Kaufmann R, Ohlerth S. (2024). Characterization of Normal Bone in the Equine Distal Limb with Effective Atomic Number and Electron Density Determined with Single-Source Dual Energy and Detector-Based Spectral Computed Tomography. Animals (Basel), 14(7), 1064. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14071064

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 7
PII: 1064

Researcher Affiliations

Steiner, Janine
  • Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Richter, Henning
  • Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Kaufmann, Rolf
  • Effectum Medical AG, 4600 Olten, Switzerland.
Ohlerth, Stefanie
  • Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Abdel Maksoud MKM, Hagag U, Salouci M, Mahmoud HH, Ibrahim AAH. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the normal distal limb in sheep (Ovis aries). BMC Vet Res 2025 Nov 13;21(1):664.
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  2. Germonpré J, Lorenz I, Vandekerckhove LMJ, Duchateau L, Diekhoff T, Vanderperren K. Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for the Detection of Bone Edema-Like Lesions in the Equine Foot: Standing Horses and Cadaveric Specimens. Vet Sci 2025 Jun 24;12(7).
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