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Effect of limb positioning on the radiographic appearance of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joint spaces of the forelimbs of horses during evaluation of dorsopalmar radiographs.
Abstract: To determine the effect of limb positioning on the radiographic appearance of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joint spaces of the forelimbs of horses during evaluation of dorsopalmar radiographs. Methods: Evaluation study. Methods: 14 forelimbs from 9 adult horses. Methods: Each horse was in standing position with its forelimbs positioned on blocks. Dorsopalmar radiographs of each foot were obtained with the forelimbs positioned squarely (the metacarpus of both forelimbs was perpendicular to the ground as determined by visual examination [abducted 0°]; baseline) and abducted 5° and 10°. The width of the space at the medial and lateral aspects of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints (medial and lateral joint space width, respectively) was measured. Mediolateral joint balance was calculated as the difference between the widths of the lateral and medial joint spaces, and joint space width and mediolateral joint balance were compared among all 3 positions. Results: As the extent of limb abduction increased, the medial aspect of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints became narrower, compared with the corresponding lateral aspect of those joints. For both the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints, the mediolateral joint balance differed significantly among all limb positions. Conclusions: Forelimb position significantly affected the mediolateral joint balance of the interphalangeal joints of horses. Thus, it is crucial that the forelimbs of horses be squarely positioned when dorsopalmar radiographs are obtained for accurate evaluation of interphalangeal joint space and balance.
Publication Date: 2014-05-03 PubMed ID: 24786167DOI: 10.2460/javma.244.10.1186Google 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
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Anatomy
- Bones
- Clinical Examination
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Study
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Distal Interphalangeal Joint
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Horses
- Imaging Techniques
- Joint Health
- Limb Deformities
- Musculoskeletal System
- Observational Study
- Radiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Procedure
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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The research study explores how the positioning of a horse’s forelimbs affects the radiographic appearance of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joint spaces. The results gleaned significant differences in mediolateral joint balance among all limb positions, implying the need for squarely-positioned forelimbs for accurate radiographic evaluations.
Research Methodology
- The study was an evaluative type, focusing on 14 forelimbs from 9 adult horses.
- Each horse was placed in a standing position with its forelimbs positioned on blocks.
- Dorsopalmar (from back to front) radiographs of each foot were obtained with the forelimbs positioned squarely, with the metacarpus of both forelimbs perpendicular to the ground. Further radiographs were also taken with the limbs abducted (held away from the body) by 5° and 10°.
- The width of the space at the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) aspects of the distal (closer to the foot) and proximal (closer to the body) interphalangeal joints were measured.
- The mediolateral joint balance, or the difference between the widths of the lateral and medial joint spaces, was calculated and compared at all 3 positions.
Results
- It was ascertained that as the amount of limb abduction increased, the medial aspect of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints became narrower, in comparison to the corresponding lateral aspect of these joints.
- The mediolateral joint balance was found to differ significantly among all limb positions for both the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints.
Conclusion
- The study concludes that the position of the horse’s forelimbs significantly affects the mediolateral joint balance of the interphalangeal joints.
- This emphasizes the importance of ensuring the forelimbs of horses are squarely positioned when obtaining dorsopalmar radiographs for precise evaluation of interphalangeal joint space and balance.
Cite This Article
APA
Contino EK, Barrett MF, Werpy NM.
(2014).
Effect of limb positioning on the radiographic appearance of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joint spaces of the forelimbs of horses during evaluation of dorsopalmar radiographs.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 244(10), 1186-1190.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.244.10.1186 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthrography / methods
- Arthrography / veterinary
- Forelimb / anatomy & histology
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Joints / anatomy & histology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Evrard L, Audigié F, Bertoni L, Jacquet S, Denoix JM, Busoni V. Low field magnetic resonance imaging of the equine distal interphalangeal joint: Comparison between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions. PLoS One 2019;14(1):e0211101.
- Skelton G, Acutt E, Stefanovski D, van Eps A. Evaluation of digital radiographic measurements for the diagnosis of acute laminitis. Equine Vet J 2025 Jul;57(4):931-942.
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