Injury of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint diagnosed by magnetic resonance.

The study investigates the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in diagnosing severe injuries in the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in horses, with the observations confirming that these injuries were a pain source in the affected horses.

Research Description

The researchers used MR imaging to study two horses with severe injuries to the collateral ligaments of the DIP joint.

• The collateral ligaments of the DIP joint were examined from their origin at the middle phalanx to their insertion on the distal phalanx in the MR images.
• In both cases, the MR images revealed abnormal high signal intensity within the collateral ligaments.
• One of the horses also displayed high signal intensity within the bone of the distal phalanx on short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and T2-weighted imaging sequences.
• The high signal intensity on STIR and T2-weighted images represented abnormal fluid accumulation that signifies inflammation within the ligament, tendon, or bone, on these imaging sequences.

Findings and Conclusion

The abnormalities shown in the MR images were confirmed upon necropsy in both horses.

• Injury of the collateral ligaments of the DIP joint is a source of pain in horses suffering from lameness localized to the foot.
• It is suggested that MR imaging can be an effective tool in diagnosing severe injuries to the distal interphalangeal joint in horses, thus helping formulate appropriate treatment plans.