Comparison of radiographic and scintigraphic findings of the spinous processes in the equine thoracolumbar region.

The research study compares the use of radiography and scintigraphy to detect abnormalities in the spinous processes of horses, observing their frequency, associated factors, and the relation between the two methods.

Methodology

• The study examined the thoracolumbar spine of 604 horses using radiographic and scintigraphic imaging.
• Each spinous process (T8-L6) was assigned a radiographic grade on a scale of 0-7 which represented the severity of any abnormality detected. For each horse, a maximum radiographic grade denoting the highest grade assigned to any of its spinous processes, and a total radiographic grade, which is the sum of all grades, were calculated.
• Similarly, the scintigraphic imaging results were graded for each spinous process on a scale of 0-3. As done with the radiographic results, a maximum scintigraphic grade and a total scintigraphic grade for each horse were calculated.
• The researchers statistically analysed the associations between radiology and scintigraphy results and other factors such as horse’s age, gender, breed, height, weight, and work discipline.

Key Findings

• The severity of radiographic lesions of the spinous processes correlated with the severity of scintigraphic abnormalities, indicating a relationship between the findings of the two methods.
• The caudal thoracic spine area (T14-T17) was most commonly affected by these abnormalities.
• The breed and age of the horse were significant factors affecting the results. Thoroughbreds and older horses had higher total and maximum radiographic grades, suggesting they are more prone to abnormalities in the spinous processes.
• The severity of lesions in the spinous processes was associated with the presence of osteoarthritis in the articular process joints.

Conclusion

The study concludes that there is a wide range of radiographic abnormalities seen in the spinous processes of horses, regardless of whether they exhibit back pain. These abnormalities are associated with the findings in scintigraphic grades. Factors such as breed and age significantly impact the incidence of these abnormalities, and the severity is linked to the presence of osteoarthritis in the articular process joints. Therefore, both radiography and scintigraphy are useful tools for diagnosing and understanding these conditions in horses.