Comparison of ultrasonography versus radiography for the diagnosis of dorsal fragmentation of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint in horses.

This study examined the efficacy of ultrasonography compared to radiography in diagnosing dorsal fragmentation of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in horses. Conclusions drawn suggest that ultrasonography provides a more accurate diagnosis, capable of working out the number and location of fragments within the joints.

Methodology

• The study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis involving 36 horses displaying fragmentation of either the MCP or MTP joints.
• Radiography and ultrasonography scans were performed on all test subjects before their respective arthroscopic examinations and removal of fragment operations.
• The techniques were compared on their ability to effectively identify the number and location of the fragments, with the results corroborated with arthroscopic findings.

Findings

• A relative parity was noted between the radiography scan findings and arthroscopic results in identifying the number and location of fragments in approximately 44% of the subjects’ joints.
• Ultrasonography scans produced notably better results, with findings aligning with arthroscopic examinations in 96% of the joints under observation. However, in two instances additional fragments were discovered during the arthroscopy which the ultrasonography failed to detect.
• A comparison of the two scanning techniques indicated that ultrasonography was able to identify more fragments in three of the scanned joints and fewer fragments in one.
• Ultrasonography also verified the presence or absence of fragmentation at the dorsoproximal aspect of the joint in a handful of cases where such a conclusion was only speculated in the radiography findings.
• Furthermore, ultrasonography was successful in determining the locations of fragments in joints where radiography scans failed to do so.

Conclusions

• The results of this study advocate the use of ultrasonography over radiography when diagnosing dorsal fragmentation of the MCP or MTP joint in horses. This conclusion is based on ultrasonography’s superior ability to accurately determine the number and location of fragments within the joint.
• However, the study’s findings are inconclusive on matters concerning fragments which ultrasonography failed to detect, an aspect that calls for further investigation.