Diagnostic imaging of the equine tarsal region using radiography and ultrasonography. Part 1: the soft tissues.
Abstract: The equine tarsus is the most commonly affected hindlimb region associated with lameness. Diagnostic imaging is routinely applied but because of its complexity, being composed of 10 multifaceted bones and different joints, multiple ligaments, tendons and bursae, imaging this region can be a challenge. This is the first part of a two-part review of the structures and disorders of the equine tarsus. It describes the principal disorders affecting the soft tissues of the tarsal region and addresses some of the technical aspects in taking radiographic, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic images of the different soft tissue lesions. Where applicable, comments on the diagnostic use of contrast radiography, arthroscopy and tenoscopy are made. In current clinical practice a combination of radiography and ultrasonography is still most frequently used to arrive at a diagnosis.
Publication Date: 2007-11-01 PubMed ID: 17936046DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.08.030Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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The research endeavors to expound on the aspects of diagnostic imaging of the equine tarsal region, with a focus on soft tissues. This study is part one of a two-part review, where various reflection techniques such as radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic are addressed.
Background
- The equine tarsus is cited as the most commonly affected area in horse hindlimbs that triggers lameness. Despite regular application of diagnostic imaging, this region’s complex composition presents a significant challenge in obtaining accurate imaging. The complexity stems from the fact that the tarsus comprises 10 multifaceted bones, varied joints, multiple ligaments, tendons, and bursae.
Soft Tissue Disorders of the Tarsal Region
- The study outlines a review of the chief disorders affecting the soft tissues within the tarsal region. It covers the technical aspects involved in taking radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic images, focusing on the different soft tissue lesions.
Contrast Radiography, Arthroscopy, and Tenoscopy
- Wherever necessary, the research incorporates comments on the diagnostic application of contrast radiography, arthroscopy, and tenoscopy. These are typically used to provide clearer imaging, enabling precise diagnoses and treatment plans.
Current Clinical Practice
- According to the study, contemporary clinical practices predominantly rely on a combination of radiography and ultrasonography to arrive at a diagnosis. Radiography offers clear internal images, while ultrasonography leverages sound waves to generate images for diagnostic purposes.
Cite This Article
APA
Vanderperren K, Raes E, Hoegaerts M, Saunders JH.
(2007).
Diagnostic imaging of the equine tarsal region using radiography and ultrasonography. Part 1: the soft tissues.
Vet J, 179(2), 179-187.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.08.030 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medical Imaging, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. Katrien.Vanderperren@UGent.be
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthrography / veterinary
- Arthroscopy / methods
- Arthroscopy / veterinary
- Hindlimb
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
- Radionuclide Imaging
- Tarsal Joints / anatomy & histology
- Tarsal Joints / diagnostic imaging
- Tarsus, Animal / anatomy & histology
- Tarsus, Animal / diagnostic imaging
- Ultrasonography
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Vajs T, Nekouei O, Biermann NM. A Descriptive Study of the Clinical Presentation, Management, and Outcome of Horses with Acute Soft Tissue Trauma of the Tarsus and the Association with Synovial Involvement. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 21;12(4).
- Al Mohamad ZA, Hagag U, Tawfiek MG, El Nahas A. Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal dromedary camel tarsus. BMC Vet Res 2021 Mar 2;17(1):101.
- Abdel Maksoud MKM, Hagag U, Salouci M, Mahmoud HH, Ibrahim AAH. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the normal distal limb in sheep (Ovis aries). BMC Vet Res 2025 Nov 13;21(1):664.
- 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).
- Almohamad Z. Ultrasonography of the normal donkey tarsus (equus asinus). Sci Rep 2024 May 7;14(1):10425.
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