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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Radiol Ultrasound / Non-weight bearing ultrasonographic examination allows the d...
Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association2020; 62(1); 84-97; doi: 10.1111/vru.12910

Non-weight bearing ultrasonographic examination allows the diagnosis of longitudinal fiber disruption (split) in equine suspensory ligament branches not visible on weight bearing examination.

Abstract: When evaluating suspensory ligament branch splits, there is a discrepancy between high field MRI findings and weight bearing ultrasonographic imaging characteristics. In this descriptive and retrospective case series, ultrasonographic examination was performed on suspensory ligament branches with the limbs in weight bearing and non-weight bearing positions. Suspensory ligament branch splits were defined as linear regions of decreased echogenicity when imaged with the limb in a weight bearing position that increased in size and became anechoic with the limb in a non-weight bearing position. This appearance was considered an indication of pathologic change in the branch. A total of 62 suspensory ligament branches were included in the study from 37 horses, with 14 partial splits, 11 intrasubstance splits, and 14 complete splits of which two had extension of fetlock synovial fluid and synovial membrane through the split. Recheck ultrasonographic examinations performed in eight horses up to 14 months following the initial examination demonstrated persistence of the split in two horses, partial resolution in five horses, and complete resolution in one horse. Ultrasonographic examination using the non-weight bearing approach proved valuable for increasing the lesion conspicuity as compared to the weight bearing images. Certain abnormalities, such as longitudinal fiber disruption (split) in suspensory ligament branches may only be evident when imaged non-weight bearing. The use of this technique provides a more accurate representation of lesion severity and allows for monitoring over time. A longitudinal study is necessary to determine the clinical relevance of suspensory ligament branch splits.
© 2020 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
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Publication Date: 2020-10-21 PubMed ID: 33089588DOI: 10.1111/vru.12910Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article studies the discrepancy in scanning methods for diagnosing a condition in horses’ ligaments, where certain damage may only be visible when the affected limb is not bearing weight. Through ultrasonographic examination, the researchers found that non-weight bearing approach provides more accurate results in diagnosing and monitoring the condition over time.

Objective of the Study

  • The main objective of the research is to address the discrepancy between high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings and weight bearing ultrasonographic imaging characteristics in identifying splits in equine suspensory ligament branches.

Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a descriptive and retrospective case study series.
  • They carried out ultrasonographic examinations on the suspensory ligament branches with the limbs in two conditions: weight bearing and non-weight bearing positions.
  • The characteristics of the suspensory ligament branch splits were defined as linear regions of decreased echogenicity when imaged with the limb bearing weight that increased in size and became anechoic (without an echo) when the limb was in a non-weight bearing position.
  • If this occurrence was noticed, it was considered as an indication of pathologic change in the branch of the suspensory ligament.
  • The study included a total of 62 suspensory ligament branches from 37 horses.

Results of the Study

  • A total of 14 partial splits, 11 intrasubstance splits, and 14 complete splits were discovered. Two of these complete splits had extension of the fetlock synovial fluid and synovial membrane through the split.
  • The rechecking ultrasonographic examinations performed on eight horses up to 14 months following the initial examination demonstrated that the split persisted in two horses, partially resolved in five horses, and completely resolved in one horse.
  • The non-weight bearing ultrasonographic examination significantly increased the conspicuity of the lesion as compared to the weight bearing images.
  • Particularly, the longitudinal fiber disruption (split) in suspensory ligament branches could only be clearly identified when the affected limb was not bearing weight.
  • The findings demonstrated that using the non-weight bearing technique gives a more accurate representation of the severity of the lesion and allows for effective monitoring over time.

Conclusion Drawn

  • The study concludes by suggesting the need for a longitudinal study to determine the clinical relevance of suspensory ligament branch splits in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Werpy N, Chapman K, Griffith L. (2020). Non-weight bearing ultrasonographic examination allows the diagnosis of longitudinal fiber disruption (split) in equine suspensory ligament branches not visible on weight bearing examination. Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 62(1), 84-97. https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12910

Publication

Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
ISSN: 1740-8261
NlmUniqueID: 9209635
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 62
Issue: 1
Pages: 84-97

Researcher Affiliations

Werpy, Natasha
  • Equine Diagnostic Imaging Inc., Archer, Florida, USA.
Chapman, Kristina
  • Equicall, CVS UK Ltd., Ashford, Kent, UK.
Griffith, Leah
  • Equine Diagnostic Imaging Inc., Archer, Florida, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / injuries
  • Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments / injuries
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Ultrasonography / veterinary
  • Weight-Bearing

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