Mr imaging features of surgically induced core lesions in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon.

The research investigates the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing and following up on tendon healing in horses, after surgically inducing a lesion in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). The study also compares the effectiveness of MRI to that of ultrasonography for the same purpose.

Introduction to the Study

• The scientists involved in this research study were examining the effects of surgically induced lesions on the superficial digital flexor tendons of four horses.
• These tendon injuries are fairly common in both athletic humans and horses.
• The study was focused on the use of MRI as a method for diagnosing these injuries and monitoring their healing process.

Procedure of the Study

• In order to carry out the study, one of the four horses was euthanized at different intervals – 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the tendon lesion had been created.
• Post mortem MR examinations were performed on the SDFT using a 1.5 T Siemens Symphony magnet.
• The observations gleaned from these procedures were then compared with histologic observations and measurements.
• These measurements were also compared to those obtained from the same lesions through ultrasonographic procedures.

Findings of the Study

• The tendon lesions that were surgically created were identified as well-circumscribed hyperintensities in the core of the SDFT on all pulse sequences during the MR examinations.
• The lesions were most conspicuous on fat-suppressed fast low angle shot (FLASH) sequences and least conspicuous on T2 transverse dual turbo spin echo (T2 TSE) sequences.
• The signal-difference-to-noise ratio recorded from these lesions tended to decrease as the age of the lesion increased. As such, the 12-week-old lesions were not visible on T2 TSE images.
• Conversely, lesions remained hyperintense in all other MR sequences, despite their age.
• Measurements of lesion volume and maximum cross-sectional area were found to be significantly smaller in T2 TSE images in comparison to other MR sequences.
• Similarly, these measurements were significantly larger in proton density, T1, and FLASH sequences and exceedingly smaller in T2 sequences when compared to measurements gleaned from ultrasonographic images.

Conclusion of the Study

• The authors concluded that magnetic resonance imaging can offer valuable information about various stages of tendon healing, given the contrast between sequence images.
• The study suggests that MRI can provide a more comprehensive picture of tendon injuries and may be a viable alternative or addition to ultrasonography for diagnostic and follow-up purposes.