Communication between the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa in the horse at Computed Tomography Arthrography.

This research investigated whether there’s a communication, or connection, between two specific areas in horse’s feet (distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa), using an imaging method called computed tomography arthrography. Results show the connection between these areas is not common, and, if present, it could impact the way medications spread and affect the treatment and diagnosis of foot pain in horses.

Methodology

• The study was an anatomical research conducted on 66 pairs of horse forelimbs obtained from cadavers.
• The forelimbs were injected with a contrast medium into the distal interphalangeal joint, an area at the bottom of the horses’ feet.
• Imaging of the injected area was undertaken using computed tomography arthrography, a procedure that uses X-rays and a contrast material to visualize a joint on a detailed, cross-sectional picture.
• Researchers then made assessments regarding the presence of a connection, its location, and any other structural changes.

Findings

• Contrast from the distal interphalangeal joint had reached the navicular bursa, another part of the horse’s foot, in 7 out of 66 pairs of forelimbs. This indicated a communication between these areas.
• This communication was found through the T-ligament in one limb, and through the distal sesamoidean impar ligament in six limbs.
• In three cases, a fragment of the edge of the bone was associated with this communication.
• The results exemplify that the occurrence of communication between the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa is not usual and lacks consistency.

Clinical Implications

• If present, this communication might affect how local anesthetic or drugs spread across these structures, potentially influencing their diagnostic and treatment outcomes.
• This connection could let the drug to migrate from the target area to a non-targeted area, causing potential adverse effects.
• In case of sepsis, the communication could interfere with joint drainage, leading to treatment failure.