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Veterinary surgery : VS2011; 40(8); 942-951; doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2011.00881.x

Detection of articular pathology of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone in thoroughbred racehorses: comparison of radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: To compare digital radiography (DR), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of pathology of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) and to assess whether arthrography would improve detection of articular cartilage or subchondral bone cracking. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Limb specimens from 17 Thoroughbred horses after catastrophic injury and 4 age-matched control horses. Methods: Standard DR, CT, and MRI images of the metacarpophalangeal joint were acquired before and after iohexol injection. Pathologic features detected with imaging and on visual inspection of cartilage and subchondral bone of the distal aspect of MC3 were graded. Imaging observations were compared with pathologic abnormalities. Results: Inspection revealed obvious changes in the cartilage and subchondral bone surfaces in Thoroughbreds. Both CT and MRI were superior to DR for detection of subchondral bone pathology. Cracking of cartilage was not detected by any imaging modality. Signal changes associated with cartilage loss and development of repair tissue were evident on MRI in 9/19 cases. There was significant correlation (P < .05) between subchondral bone pathology detected on both CT and MRI, and cartilage pathology on gross examination. Contrast arthrography did not improve the detection of articular cartilage or subchondral plate cracking. Conclusions: Both CT and MRI are superior to DR for detection of subchondral bone pathology, but underestimate the extent of joint adaptation and pathologic damage. MRI was able to detect cartilage degeneration.
© Copyright 2011 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2011-10-31 PubMed ID: 22092025DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2011.00881.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 research evaluates the effectiveness of different imaging techniques – digital radiography (DR), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – for identifying pathology of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone in thoroughbred racehorses. It reveals that while CT and MRI are more effective than DR in detecting subchondral bone pathology, these methods often overlook joint adaptation and pathological damage, with MRI showing potential in tracing cartilage degeneration.

Research Methods

  • The authors followed a cross-sectional study design, utilizing the limb specimens of 21 thoroughbred horses. This included 17 horses who had suffered catastrophic injuries and four age-matched control horses.
  • Standard DR, CT, and MRI images of the metacarpophalangeal joint were taken both before and after the horses were injected with iohexol.
  • Images and visual inspection of the cartilage and subchondral bone of the distal aspect of MC3 were graded to identify any pathological features.
  • The researchers compared their imaging observations with the identified pathological abnormalities.

Research Findings

  • Visually examining the horses revealed distinct changes in their cartilage and subchondral bone surfaces.
  • The study found that both CT and MRI were better than DR for detecting subchondral bone pathology. However, none of the imaging modalities could detect cracking in the cartilage.
  • Signal changes connected with cartilage loss and the development of repair tissue were visible on MRI in 9 out of the 19 cases.
  • A substantial correlation was found between subchondral bone pathology detected through both CT and MRI and cartilage pathology identified through gross examination.
  • Contrast arthrography, a procedure involving injection of a contrast material into the joint area, did not enhance the detection of articular cartilage or subchondral plate cracking.

Conclusions

  • The study concluded that CT and MRI are superior to DR for detecting subchondral bone pathology in horses. However, these imaging modalities tend to underestimate joint adaptation and pathological damage.
  • MRI showed promise in detecting cartilage degeneration, offering a potentially useful tool for early detection and treatment of such conditions.

Cite This Article

APA
O'Brien T, Baker TA, Brounts SH, Sample SJ, Markel MD, Scollay MC, Marquis P, Muir P. (2011). Detection of articular pathology of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone in thoroughbred racehorses: comparison of radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Vet Surg, 40(8), 942-951. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2011.00881.x

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 40
Issue: 8
Pages: 942-951

Researcher Affiliations

O'Brien, Thomas
  • Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory and Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Baker, Theresa A
    Brounts, Sabrina H
      Sample, Susannah J
        Markel, Mark D
          Scollay, Mary C
            Marquis, Patricia
              Muir, Peter

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Arthrography / veterinary
                • Case-Control Studies
                • Cross-Sectional Studies
                • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
                • Horses
                • Joint Diseases / diagnosis
                • Joint Diseases / veterinary
                • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
                • Metacarpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
                • Metacarpal Bones / pathology
                • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary

                Citations

                This article has been cited 14 times.
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