Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of 264 horses with foot pain: the podotrochlear apparatus, deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint.

This study examines the link between injuries of the podotrochlear apparatus and deep digital flexor tendon in horses, using magnetic resonance imaging of 264 animals experiencing foot pain. The study seeks to understand the different types of injuries and their frequency across various parts of the tendon, revealing a positive association between such lesions and navicular bone damage.

Methodology

• The study used magnetic resonance imaging to analyze the feet of 264 horses which were either experiencing pain in one or both feet. The intent was to accurately diagnose their condition and grade the extent of the damage.
• Statistical analysis was performed to determine the frequency of various types of lesions occurring at different anatomical locations.
• The study further examined the collateral sesamoidean ligaments, distal sesamoidean impar ligament, navicular bursa, distal interphalangeal joint, and collateral ligaments alongside the investigation into DDFT lesions.
• A chi-square test was used to compare the navicular bone grades between limbs with and without DDFT lesions at each level. It was also used to compare navicular bone grades for limbs with and without each of DSIL, CSL, navicular bursa, or DIP joint lesions.

Results

• DDFT lesions were found in 82.6% of the limbs studied, most commonly occurring at the level of the collateral sesamoidean ligament (59.4%) and the navicular bone (59.0%).
• The type of lesion varied depending on the anatomical location. Core lesions were most common at the proximal phalanx level, while the level of the CSL and navicular bone saw a mixture of core lesions, sagittal splits, and dorsal abrasions.
• There was a significant relationship identified between the presence of DDFT lesions and navicular bone pathology involving all aspects of the bone.
• Lesions were more frequently observed in DSIL (38.2% of limbs) than CSL (10.5%). The occurrence of either DSIL or CSL lesions was linked to abnormalities in the navicular bone, especially involving the proximal or distal borders and the medulla.

Conclusion

• From the findings, the research concluded that there exists a close connection between the injuries on the podotrochlear apparatus, the DDFT, the navicular bursa, and the DIP joint.
• The study’s findings are important in the context of understanding the biomechanical risk factors for injury, which could help in both prevention and management of such diseases.