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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(14); doi: 10.3390/ani13142328

Comparison of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Identifying Soft Tissue Abnormalities in the Palmar Aspect of the Equine Digit.

Abstract: Damage to the soft tissue structures of the digit is a common source of equine lameness. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows for the most complete diagnostic imaging of the equine digit, ultrasound is more readily available and less expensive. This prospective diagnostic accuracy study compares ultrasound to MRI for the diagnosis of injuries visible with ultrasound within the digit, including the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL), and navicular bursa. Clinical patients underwent an MRI of the digit and a blinded ultrasound of the digit between the heel bulbs, and results of the two modalities were compared. A total of 70 ultrasound and MRI exams of 45 horses were included. Ultrasound had good sensitivity (85%), moderate specificity (60%), and accuracy of 70% for evaluating the dorsal tearing of the DDFT. Accuracy was lower for navicular bursa effusion (67%), navicular bursa proliferation (61%), and CSL enlargement (61%). Tearing of the DDFT distal to the navicular bone was identified with MRI in 27 limbs, 20 of which also had dorsal damage proximal to the navicular bone identified with ultrasound. Ultrasound evaluation remains a useful screening tool, particularly for the assessment of DDFT tearing proximal to the navicular bone but risks under-diagnosing pathology to the navicular bursa and CSL. Clinically significant concurrent damage to the distal DDFT and other osseous and soft tissues in the hoof capsule is unlikely to be identified without MRI.
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Publication Date: 2023-07-17 PubMed ID: 37508105PubMed Central: PMC10376038DOI: 10.3390/ani13142328Google 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.

The study presents a comparison of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing soft tissue abnormalities in horses’ digits. The aim is to determine the effectiveness of ultrasound, particularly as it’s more affordable and readily available than MRI. The research illustrates that ultrasound is a potentially useful screening tool, but it has its limitations, especially compared to MRI.

Methods Used in the Research

  • 70 ultrasound and MRI examinations were conducted on 45 horses to identify damages on the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL), and navicular bursa.
  • Clinical patients underwent a blinded ultrasound of the digit between the heel bulbs and an MRI of the digit.
  • The results obtained from the MRI and ultrasound procedures were then compared.

Findings of the Research

  • Ultrasound had favorable sensitivity (85%) but moderate specificity (60%) for all recognized cases of dorsal tearing of the DDFT.
  • The accuracy of the ultrasound was lower for navicular bursa effusion (67%), navicular bursa proliferation (61%), and CSL enlargement (61%).
  • In 27 limbs, MRI identified tearing of the DDFT distal to the navicular bone. Of these, ultrasound identified dorsal damage proximal to the navicular bone in 20 limbs.

Conclusion of the Research

  • Despite its limitations, ultrasound remains a useful screening tool, specifically for assessing DDFT tearings proximal to the navicular bone.
  • However, ultrasound risks under-diagnosing the pathology of the navicular bursa and CSL.
  • The study showed that it is unlikely to identify significant concurrent damage to the distal DDFT and other osseous and soft tissues in the hoof capsule without MRI.

Therefore, while ultrasound can be beneficial for initial screenings due to its affordability and accessibility, MRI provides a more comprehensive diagnostic imaging for soft tissue abnormalities in the equine digit.

Cite This Article

APA
Barrett MF, Goorchenko GE, Frisbie DD. (2023). Comparison of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Identifying Soft Tissue Abnormalities in the Palmar Aspect of the Equine Digit. Animals (Basel), 13(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13142328

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 14

Researcher Affiliations

Barrett, Myra F
  • Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Goorchenko, Georgette E
  • Great & Small Veterinary Imaging, Inc., 1437 Moreno St, Oceanside, CA 92054, USA.
Frisbie, David D
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Scharf A, Acutt E, Bills K, Werpy N. Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing and managing deep digital flexor tendinopathy in equine athletes: Insights, advances and future directions. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1183-1203.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14508pubmed: 40314097google scholar: lookup
  2. Reis IL, Lopes B, Sousa P, Sousa AC, Caseiro AR, Mendonça CM, Santos JM, Atayde LM, Alvites RD, Maurício AC. Equine Musculoskeletal Pathologies: Clinical Approaches and Therapeutical Perspectives-A Review. Vet Sci 2024 Apr 26;11(5).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci11050190pubmed: 38787162google scholar: lookup
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