Computed tomographic anatomy of the equine foot.

This study provides a detailed computed tomography (CT) reference of a normal horse foot. The CT of 10 forefeet from five different cadaver horses was performed, creating a comprehensive reference that might be useful when radiography and ultrasonography aren’t conclusive.

Study Overview

• This research was conducted to provide a detailed CT reference of a normal equine foot. This work was done using 10 forefeet from five adult cadavers, which did not show any signs of orthopedic disease. The main objective was to develop a comprehensive visual guide that could be beneficial when radiographs and ultrasounds fail to provide conclusive results.
• During the CT procedure, two-millimeter thick cross-sections were obtained from multiple perspectives. These slices were then matched with the corresponding anatomical parts to ensure an accurate representation.

Findings

• The study was able to visualize the phalanges and distal sesamoid bone in great detail. Additionally, the CT scan also clearly showed the extensor and flexor tendons and their respective attachments.
• Other anatomical structures such as the collateral or sesamoidean ligaments could also be identified, although their proximal attachment was not easy to define completely. Similarly, the distal digital annular ligament could only be distinguished from the deep digital flexor tendon at a specific point.
• Smaller ligaments, like the impar ligament and the axial and abaxial palmar ligaments of the proximal inter-phalangeal joint, were difficult to see and weren’t visible in all the slices. The study couldn’t differentiate the joint capsules from the surrounding soft tissues. Occasionally, the lateral and medial proprius palmar digital artery and vein could be seen in some slices.
• The study successfully visualized the ungular cartilages, corium, and the layers of the hoof wall. However, the nerves, the articular and fibrocartilage of the distal sesamoid bone, and the chondroungular ligament couldn’t be assessed from the CT images.
• Despite the mentioned difficulties in distinguishing certain structures, the images obtained in this study provide a potentially invaluable reference for diagnostic or comparative purposes when using CT scans for equine foot conditions.