Computed tomographic evaluation of Finnhorse cadaver forefeet with radiographically problematic findings on the flexor aspect of the navicular bone.
Abstract: Computed tomography (CT) was performed on 12 Finnhorse cadaver forefeet with known radiographic changes in the navicular bone (poor corticomedullary junction, irregular appearance of the flexor central eminence, uneven or unequal thickness of the flexor cortex, and/or irregular outline of the proximal or distal flexor margin). The purpose was to confirm the radiographic findings and to investigate if further information of the flexor aspect of the bone could be gained with CT. In CT, the midsagittal outline as well as the internal structure of the bones varied greatly. Different combinations of trabecular and compact bone were seen within the flexor central eminence. Lucencies within the compact bone were commonly present in the proximal half of the eminence, but in five bones lucencies were also identified in the distal half. Due to partial overlapping of the bone and varying bony composition of the eminence, accurate radiographic evaluation of the shape and internal structure of the flexor central eminence was often found to be difficult. The flexor cortex usually appeared to be thinner in CT than in conventional radiographs. Medullary sclerosis and poor flexor corticomedullary junction were commonly overinterpreted radiographically. New bone formation on the proximal flexor margin of the navicular bone was generally visualized in radiographs, but CT allowed also the evaluation of the internal structure of the bone. In one navicular bone, an avulsion fragment on the distal flexor margin was seen in CT images; radiographically this fragment could not be visualized. It was concluded that the flexor aspect of the navicular bone may be difficult to assess reliably with conventional radiography.
Publication Date: 1999-10-16 PubMed ID: 10519308DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.1999.tb00362.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
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.
This study uses computed tomography (CT scans) to examine forefeet of deceased Finnhorses with known radiographic changes to the navicular bone. The goal was to confirm the original radiographic findings and to investigate if CT scans could provide further information on the flexor aspect of the bone.
Research Methodology
- The study worked with 12 Finnhorse cadaver forefeet, all of which had known radiographic changes in the navicular bone.
- The abnormalities in the navicular bone ranged from poorly defined corticomedullary junctions and irregular appearances of the flexor central eminence, to inconsistencies in the thickness of the flexor cortex, and irregular outlines of the proximal or distal flexor margin.
- The researchers utilized computed tomography to not only confirm the radiographic findings but also possibly get further information about the flexor aspect of the bone.
Findings Discovered with CT Scans
- The CT scans showed significant variations in the midsagittal outline and the internal structure of the bones. Various combinations of trabecular and compact bone were found within the flexor central eminence.
- The scans often revealed lucencies (areas of increased radiolucency indicating possible bone loss) within the compact bone, primarily in the proximal half of the eminence.
- However, in a few cases, lucencies were also identified in the distal half of the eminence. Radiographic evaluation of the shape and internal structure of the flexor central eminence was often found to be challenging due to the partial overlapping of the bone and the varying composition of the eminence.
- Interestingly, the flexor cortex typically appeared thinner in CT scans than in traditional radiographs.
Radiographic Overinterpretations
- Medullary sclerosis (hardening of the bone marrow) and poor flexor corticomedullary junction were commonly over-interpreted in radiographs.
- New bone formation on the proximal flexor margin of the navicular bone was generally visible in radiographs, but CT scans also allowed for the analysis of the internal structure of the bone.
- In one case, a fragment on the distal flexor margin was visible in CT images but not in radiographs.
Conclusions Drawn
The researchers concluded that the evaluation of the flexor aspect of the navicular bone could be difficult to accurately conduct with conventional radiography. This suggests that computed tomography may offer a more reliable method for assessing these bone structures, particularly in the presence of complex bone morphologies or conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Ruohoniemi M, Tervahartiala P.
(1999).
Computed tomographic evaluation of Finnhorse cadaver forefeet with radiographically problematic findings on the flexor aspect of the navicular bone.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 40(3), 275-281.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8261.1999.tb00362.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Bone Diseases / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horses
- Tarsal Bones / diagnostic imaging
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Galateanu G, Hermes R, Saragusty J, Göritz F, Potier R, Mulot B, Maillot A, Etienne P, Bernardino R, Fernandes T, Mews J, Hildebrandt TB. Rhinoceros feet step out of a rule-of-thumb: a wildlife imaging pioneering approach of synchronized computed tomography-digital radiography.. PLoS One 2014;9(6):e100415.
- Galateanu G, Hildebrandt TB, Maillot A, Etienne P, Potier R, Mulot B, Saragusty J, Hermes R. One small step for rhinos, one giant leap for wildlife management--imaging diagnosis of bone pathology in distal limb.. PLoS One 2013;8(7):e68493.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
