Evaluation of computed tomographic anatomy of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint.
Abstract: To determine the detailed computed tomography (CT) anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in healthy horses. Methods: 10 cadaveric forelimbs from 10 adult horses without orthopedic disease. Methods: CT of the MCP joint was performed on 4 forelimbs. In 1 of the limbs, CT was also performed after intra-articular injection of 30 mL of contrast medium (40 mg of iodine/mL). Transverse slices 1-mm thick were obtained, and sagittal and dorsal planes were reformatted with a slice thickness of 2 mm. The CT images were matched with corresponding anatomic slices from 6 additional forelimbs. Results: The third metacarpal bone, proximal sesamoid bones, and proximal phalanx could be clearly visualized. Common digital extensor tendon; accessory digital extensor tendon; lateral digital extensor tendon; superficial digital flexor tendon (including manica flexoria); deep digital flexor tendon; branches of the suspensory ligament (including its attachment); extensor branches of the suspensory ligament; collateral ligaments; straight, oblique, and cruciate distal sesamoidean ligaments; intersesamoidean ligament; annular ligament; and joint capsule could be seen. Collateral sesamoidean ligaments and short distal sesamoidean ligaments could be localized but not at all times clearly identified, whereas the metacarpointersesamoidean ligament could not be identified. The cartilage of the MCP joint could be assessed on the postcontrast sequence. Conclusions: CT of the equine MCP joint can be of great value when results of radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive. Images obtained in this study may serve as reference for CT of the equine MCP joint.
Publication Date: 2008-05-02 PubMed ID: 18447794DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.69.5.631Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Evaluation Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research aims to explore the computed tomography (CT) anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in healthy horses. The study established that CT scans can provide valuable understanding for horse’s MCP joint, especially when other imaging results like radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive.
Methods
- The study used 10 cadaveric forelimbs from 10 adult horses with no orthopedic disease. CT of the MCP joint was performed on four of the limbs.
- In one of these limbs, CT was conducted after the intra-articular injection of 30 mL of iodine-based contrast medium. With this, it was possible to obtain an intricate look at the bone and soft tissues.
- The CT results were then matched with corresponding anatomical slices from six additional forelimbs for comparison and to relate the CT images with the actual anatomical structures.
Findings
- Various parts of the MCP joint such as the third metacarpal bone, proximal sesamoid bones, and the proximal phalanx were clearly visible in the CT images.
- A number of different tendons and ligaments including the common digital extensor tendon, accessory digital extensor tendon, lateral digital extensor tendon, superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, etc. could be identified.
- Some ligaments like the collateral sesamoidean ligaments and short distal sesamoidean ligaments while visible, were not always clearly identified. The metacarpointersesamoidean ligament couldn’t be recognized.
- The cartilage of the MCP joint could be assessed on the post-contrast sequence meaning contrast media allowed for better visualization of the cartilage.
Conclusion
- The study concluded that CT of the equine MCP joint can be of great value when results of other imaging methods are indecisive.
- The images obtained in this study may serve as a reference for further CT scans of the horse’s MCP joint.
Cite This Article
APA
Vanderperren K, Ghaye B, Snaps FR, Saunders JH.
(2008).
Evaluation of computed tomographic anatomy of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint.
Am J Vet Res, 69(5), 631-638.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.69.5.631 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Contrast Media
- Forelimb / anatomy & histology
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Joints / anatomy & histology
- Sesamoid Bones / anatomy & histology
- Sesamoid Bones / diagnostic imaging
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Hagag U, Nahas AE, Almohamad ZA, Brehm W, Gerlach K. 3T Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the bovine carpus. BMC Vet Res 2022 Jun 22;18(1):236.
- Kim T, Lee S, Seo JP. Evaluation of computed tomographic anatomy of the foot in Jeju horses. J Vet Sci 2026 Jan;27(1):e7.
- Miles S, McCauley C, Carossino M, Del Piero F, Liu CC, Gaschen L. Normal MRI features of the manica flexoria in horses and evaluation of the anatomic variability between forelimbs and hindlimbs. PLoS One 2025;20(7):e0327880.
- Hamoda H, Elsaid FG, Eldesoqui M, Al-Mosaibih MA, Fayad E, Hussein MK, Hamed MA, Farrag F, Abumandour M, Shukry M, Abdelmegeid M, Yousef AT, Elolimy AA. Imaging-based observation of the pes region in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): computed tomography, 3D volume rendering, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1558954.
- Velásquez JM, Tamayo-Arango L, Santos-Silva T, Miglino MA. Casting techniques of equine hand and foot synovial cavities for the development of teaching models. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1524549.
- Bierau J, Cruz AM, Koch C, Manso-Diaz G, Büttner K, Staszyk C, Röcken M. Visualization of anatomical structures in the fetlock region of the horse using cone beam computed tomography in comparison with conventional multidetector computed tomography. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1278148.
- Germonpré J, Vandekerckhove LMJ, Raes E, Chiers K, Jans L, Vanderperren K. Post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot: a proof of concept. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1201017.
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