Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Gross Postmortem, and Histological Findings for Soft Tissues of the Plantar Aspect of the Tarsus and Proximal Metatarsal Region in Non-Lame Horses.
Abstract: Injuries of the plantar soft tissues of the tarsus and proximal metatarsus can be a source of lameness in horses, however published information is lacking on high field MRI characteristics of these tissues. Objectives of the current anatomic study were to (1) describe high-field MRI features of the plantar tarsal and proximal metatarsal soft tissues; and (2) compare MRI findings with gross and histological appearances of selected structures for a sample of cadaver limbs from non-lame horses. Single hindlimbs for 42 horses, and right and left hindlimbs for eight horses were scanned using high-field MRI. The MRI findings were described for the 50 single limbs; and the MRI, gross postmortem and histological findings were compared for the eight pairs of hindlimbs. The superficial digital flexor tendon had uniform low signal intensity, surrounded by the flexor retinaculum of intermediate to high signal intensity on all sequences. The lateral digital flexor tendon had slightly higher signal intensity, enclosed on the plantaromedial aspects by the low signal intensity metatarsocalcaneal ligament. The accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon varied in size and signal intensity. The proximal and distal plantar ligaments, accessory ligament of the suspensory ligament, and calcaneoquartal ligament had low signal intensity. The long plantar ligament comprised a number of related parts, separated by lines of high signal intensity corresponding with fibrous septae seen in gross anatomical specimens. The plantar aspect of the ligament had uniform low signal intensity in all sequences, but the dorsal half was more heterogeneous with multifocal spots or lines of higher signal intensity.
© 2016 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Publication Date: 2016-11-13 PubMed ID: 27860072DOI: 10.1111/vru.12444Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research examines the high-field MRI characteristics of plantar soft tissues (found at the back of the legs) in the tarsus and proximal metatarsus areas of non-lame horses, comparing them to the physical and histological appearances observed in postmortem dissections. The study used single hindlimbs from 42 horses and both right and left hindlimbs from eight horses for the analysis, making a total of 50 single limbs for the MRI study and eight pairs for postmortem and histological comparison.
MRI Scan Findings
- The study reveals that the high-field MRI scans of these tissues showcase different patterns of signal intensity. The superficial digital flexor tendon shows uniform low signal intensity. This tendon is bordered by the flexor retinaculum, which has intermediate to high signal intensity.
- The lateral digital flexor tendon displayed slightly higher signal intensity than its counterparts and was bordered on the plantaromedial aspects by the metatarsocalcaneal ligament, which had low signal intensity.
- The accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon showed variations in both its size and signal intensity.
- The proimal and distal plantar ligaments, the accessory ligaments of the suspensory ligament and the calcaneoquartal ligament all had low signal intensities.
The Long Plantar Ligament
- Scientists also found the long plantar ligament consisted of several related components, separated by lines of high signal intensity. This correlated with fibrous septae seen in gross anatomical specimens.
- Regarding the ligament’s plantar aspect, it had a uniform low signal intensity across all sequences. However, the dorsal half of the ligament was more heterogeneous in its appearance, with multifocal spots or lines of higher signal intensity.
Significance of the Study
- This research provides a better understanding of the high-field MRI characteristics of the plantar tarsal and proximal metatarsal soft tissues in horses.
- Such knowledge could be vital for diagnosing injuries in these regions and providing more effective treatment options. This is especially so as these injuries tend to be a common source of lameness in horses.
- Furthermore, by comparing the MRI findings with postmortem and histological findings, this study bridges the knowledge gap between MRI imaging and actual physical and histological structures.
Cite This Article
APA
Dyson S, Blunden A, Murray R.
(2016).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Gross Postmortem, and Histological Findings for Soft Tissues of the Plantar Aspect of the Tarsus and Proximal Metatarsal Region in Non-Lame Horses.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 58(2), 216-227.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12444 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.
- Centre for Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cadaver
- Diagnosis
- Hindlimb / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Metatarsus / anatomy & histology
- Metatarsus / diagnostic imaging
- Tarsus, Animal / anatomy & histology
- Tarsus, Animal / diagnostic imaging
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Nagy A, Dyson S. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 31 Warmblood Showjumpers in Full Work and Competing Regularly. Animals (Basel) 2024 May 9;14(10).
- Dancot M, Joostens Z, Audigié F, Busoni V. The plantar proximal cortex of the third metatarsal bone shows raised longitudinal ridges at the suspensory ligament enthesis in normal equine isolated limbs - a radiographic, computed tomography, and MRI study. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1265116.
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