Cone beam computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy of the region of the fetlock in the horse (Equus caballus).
Abstract: This study aimed to delineate the detailed anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in healthy horses using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The fetlock region of 15 cadaveric forelimbs and 14 cadaveric hindlimbs from nine adult horses without orthopaedic disease underwent CBCT scanning. Additionally, arthrography CBCT scans were conducted following intra-articular injection of a radiopaque contrast medium containing blue epoxy resin dye. Subsequently, limbs were frozen and sectioned to visualize anatomical structures in sectional planes corresponding to selected CBCT images. CBCT proved suitable for detailed visualization of the bony components of the fetlock region. Furthermore, the common digital extensor tendon, superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, suspensory ligament, and straight and oblique sesamoidean ligaments were identifiable on CBCT images. However, certain ligaments, such as the collateral sesamoidean ligaments and intersesamoidean ligaments, were not clearly identified. The hyaline cartilage of the MCP and MTP joint facets was assessable on the post-contrast sequence. In cases where a radiographic or ultrasound examination cannot provide a definitive diagnosis and determine the extent of disease, CBCT can provide additional valuable data on the equine MCP and MTP joint. The images obtained in this study can serve as a reference for CBCT examination of the equine MCP and MTP joint.
© 2024 The Author(s). Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.
Publication Date: 2024-07-05 PubMed ID: 38967773DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13079Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research is about the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to study the detailed anatomy of certain joints (metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal) in healthy horses’ fetlocks for better diagnosis.
Methodology
- The study involved CBCT scanning of the fetlock region of 15 cadaveric forelimbs and 14 cadaveric hindlimbs from nine adult horses, which were otherwise free of orthopaedic disease.
- In addition to the regular CBCT scans, arthrography CBCT scans were also performed. This process involved injecting a radiopaque contrast medium containing a blue epoxy resin dye into the joint to enhance visibility of the respective structures.
- After scanning, to better understand the anatomical structures, the limbs were frozen and sliced into sections. These cross-sectional planes matched selected CBCT images for direct comparison and accurate identification.
Findings
- The CBCT scan results effectively captured the detailed structure of the bones in the fetlock region.
- Tendons and ligaments, including the common digital extensor tendon, superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, suspensory ligament, and straight and oblique sesamoidean ligaments, were identifiable on the CBCT images.
- Despite the high clarity of most structures, certain ligaments were not clearly identifiable in the scans. These included the collateral sesamoidean ligaments and intersesamoidean ligaments.
- The post-contrast sequence scans showed the hyaline cartilage in the MCP and MTP joint facets, which are not typically visible to such an extent.
Implications
- The results suggest that when radiographic or ultrasound examinations fail to provide a definitive diagnosis or reveal the extent of a disease, CBCT can supplement these examinations by providing additional valuable insights into the equine MCP and MTP joints.
- As such, CBCT scans hold potential as a diagnostic tool when dealing with orthopaedic conditions in horses, particularly those affecting the fetlock.
- The images obtained in this study can serve as a reference for future CBCT examinations of the equine MCP and MTP joints, potentially improving the accuracy and efficacy of diagnoses in these areas.
Cite This Article
APA
Bierau J, Rott P, Röcken M, Staszyk C.
(2024).
Cone beam computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy of the region of the fetlock in the horse (Equus caballus).
Anat Histol Embryol, 53(4), e13079.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ahe.13079 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopedics), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopedics), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / veterinary
- Forelimb / anatomy & histology
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Hindlimb / anatomy & histology
- Hindlimb / diagnostic imaging
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint / anatomy & histology
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint / diagnostic imaging
- Metatarsophalangeal Joint / anatomy & histology
- Metatarsophalangeal Joint / diagnostic imaging
- Tendons / anatomy & histology
- Tendons / diagnostic imaging
- Cadaver
- Anatomy, Cross-Sectional
- Ligaments / anatomy & histology
- Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
- Ligaments, Articular / anatomy & histology
- Ligaments, Articular / diagnostic imaging
- Arthrography / veterinary
- Arthrography / methods
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