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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Radiol Ultrasound / Ex vivo evaluation of the soft tissue components of the equi...
Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association2024; doi: 10.1111/vru.13405

Ex vivo evaluation of the soft tissue components of the equine stifle using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging under flexion, extension, and loading.

Abstract: High-field MRI of the equine stifle provides high-resolution information about soft tissues that is useful in the diagnosis of stifle lameness. The aim of this prospective anatomic study was to describe the appearance, position, size, and shape of the equine femorotibial ligaments, meniscal ligaments, and menisci using 3 Tesla MRI under extended, extended-loaded, and flexed conditions. Additionally, histologic examination of the collateral and cruciate ligaments (CLs) of a single stifle was performed to compare with MRI images. In extension, mild variations in MRI signal intensity were apparent in the CLs, and the cranial had two distinct longitudinal regions indicating two ligament bundles. Flexion had minor effects on CL signal intensity and altered the tibial angles of attachment. Histology indicated that both CLs were comprised of two fiber bundles. The collateral ligaments were the same low-signal intensity. The medial collateral ligament had a smaller cross-sectional area than the lateral, and flexion increased the length of the medial collateral ligament and the cross-sectional area of the lateral. Low loads in extension did not affect the MRI appearance of stifle soft tissues. Flexion of the stifle impacted cruciate ligament insertion angles and the size and shape of collateral ligaments. This study provides support for the use of MRI to understand the anatomy and function of stifle ligaments.
© 2024 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
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Publication Date: 2024-07-06 PubMed ID: 38970336DOI: 10.1111/vru.13405Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 paper centers around using high-field MRI to study the soft tissue parts of a horse’s stifle (knee joint) under different conditions such as extended, extended-loaded, and flexed. The research holds relevance in diagnosing stifle lameness in horses.

Objectives and Approach

  • The goal of this prospective anatomical study was to illuminate and describe the appearance, position, size, shape of equine femorotibial ligaments, meniscal ligaments, and menisci using 3 Tesla MRI under varying conditions of extension, extended-load, and flexion.
  • As an additional approach, the researchers conducted a histologic examination of a single stifle’s collateral and cruciate ligaments to verify and compare with the MRI images.

Observations and Findings

  • Under extension conditions, they observed mild changes in MRI signal intensity of the cruciate ligaments. They were also able to notice two distinct longitudinal areas in the cranial aspect, hinting at two ligament bundles.
  • Flexion brought about minor effects on the signal intensity of cruciate ligaments while it altered the tibial angles of attachment.
  • Upon histological examination, it was identified that both the collateral ligaments were made up of two fiber bundles and projected the same low-signal intensity on the MRI. The medial collateral ligament revealed it to have a smaller cross-sectional area than the lateral one. However, flexion caused an increase in the length of the medial collateral ligament and in the cross-sectional area of the lateral.
  • When the stifle was under low loads in extension, its soft tissues’ MRI appearance wasn’t affected.
  • Flexion of the stifle significantly influenced the cruciate ligament insertion angles along with the size and shape of the collateral ligaments.

Conclusion and Implications

  • The findings of this study provide evidence supporting the use of MRI for better comprehension of the anatomy and function of the stifle ligaments.
  • Such understanding is pertinent to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of stifle lameness in equines, thus indicating a significant impact on equine health and performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Stedman JM, Lutter JD, Hallman C, Laverty S, Richard H, Santschi EM. (2024). Ex vivo evaluation of the soft tissue components of the equine stifle using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging under flexion, extension, and loading. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13405

Publication

Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
ISSN: 1740-8261
NlmUniqueID: 9209635
Country: England
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Stedman, Jocelyn M
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
Lutter, J Dylan
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
Hallman, Clay
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.
Laverty, Sheila
  • Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Département des Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint Hyacinthe, Q, Canada.
Richard, Hélène
  • Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Département des Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint Hyacinthe, Q, Canada.
Santschi, Elizabeth M
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.

Grant Funding

  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
  • The Quebec Cell, Tissue and Gene Therapy Network
  • Kansas State University Department of Clinical Sciences

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