MRI features of metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal region lameness in 40 horses.

The research article investigates the possibilities of diagnosing the cause of lameness in horses that originate from the metacarpo(tarso)phalangeal (MP) joint using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It details how MRI can provide extensive and accurate information on the abnormalities affecting the MP joint region, which other imaging modalities may not adequately diagnose.

Research Objective

• The aim of the study was to identify the types and occurrence of injuries in the MP joint region of horses, using MRI. This was due to the challenges faced when using other forms of imaging like radiography, ultrasonography, and nuclear scintigraphy in accurately diagnosing the causes of lameness in horses.

Methodology

• MRIs of 40 horses with lameness originating from the MP joint region were studied. These were horses where it was difficult to reach a plausible diagnosis using other imaging techniques.
• The horses were examined using a 1.5 Tesla magnet under general anesthesia.

Findings

• The frequency of MRI-identified injuries include subchondral bone injury (19 cases), straight or oblique distal sesamoidean desmitis (13 cases), articular cartilage injury, osteoarthritis (eight cases), suspensory branch desmitis, osteochondral fragmentation, proximal sesamoid bone injury (seven cases each), among others.
• Multiple MR abnormalities were detected in twenty-five horses, indicating the robustness of the MRI modality at identifying not just single, but multiple anomalies.

Conclusion

• The research concludes that the use of MRI provides complementary information to that garnered from radiography, ultrasonography, and nuclear scintigraphy.
• This comprehensive evaluation enabled a diagnosis to be made in all 40 horses, resulting in more clarity on injuries affecting the MP joint region leading to lameness.