Influence of the position of the foot on MRI signal in the deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint in the standing horse.

The research article explores the impact of different positions of a horse’s foot on the deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments’ MRI signals. It reveals that foot positioning and conformation can cause changes to these MRI signals, potentially leading to misleading interpretations.

Objective

The study aims to determine if the horse’s foot’s positional rotation within the solar plane could affect MRI signal intensity in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint and the deep digital flexor tendon. This is pertinent in cases where size and shape do not accompany observed hyperintense signals in MRI scans of equine foot tendons and ligaments, which could either hint at a lesion or an artifact.

Methods

• The research involved taking MRI images of six isolated horse feet, placed in 9 different positions with varying rotation degrees within the solar plane, using an equine magnetic resonance system designed for standing horses.

Results

• The study observed that rotating the limb led to a displayed linear hyperintense signal in all examined feet at the palmar aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon’s lobe and the dorsal aspect of the other lobe.
• Signal intensity changes in the distal interphalangeal joint’s collateral ligaments occured solely in those feet where there was a mediolateral hoof imbalance along with limb rotation.

Conclusions

• The study concludes that the foot’s position and conformation significantly influence MRI signal intensity in the deep digital flexor tendon and the distal interphalangeal joint’s collateral ligaments.
• The increased signal intensity observed in MRI scans of these parts should be interpreted carefully, keeping the foot’s positioning and conformation in mind, as it could lead to potential misconceptions about the presence of lesions or artifacts.