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Radiographic anatomy of the equine distal tibia.
Abstract: The radiographic anatomy of the equine distal tibia is complex and is not widely described in the current literature. Superimposition and radiographic similarities between the different osseous structures of the equine distal tibia can make it difficult for anatomic localization of pathology. The purpose of this prospective, descriptive, anatomic study was to detail the normal anatomy of the equine distal tibia using routine radiographic projections and CT of the equine tarsus. Radiographic identification of the different osseous protuberances of the distal tibia on three cadaveric limbs was achieved using radiopaque markers and evaluation of multiplanar and 3D CT reconstructions to create anatomical maps. It was found that the lateral malleolus is composed of cranial and caudal protuberances that are superimposed over the intermediate cochlear ridge of the distal tibia on the lateromedial, dorsal 45° lateral-plantaromedial, and dorsal 65° medial-plantarolateral oblique views, thereby hindering visualization of the cranial protuberance of the lateral malleolus. The medial malleolus is a simple rounded protuberance with discrete margins. On the dorsal 65° medial-plantarolateral oblique, the medial malleolus is ill-defined due to superimposition with the talus. The intermediate cochlear ridge of the distal tibia extends in a craniolateral to caudomedial direction, with its cranial protuberance largely superimposed with the calcaneus and talus on the dorsoplantar view. In summary, the distal tibial anatomy is complex and a thorough anatomical reference is necessary when reviewing radiographs of the equine tarsus for pathology. A plantaro 15° distal 85° lateral-dorsoproximomedial oblique projection is proposed to isolate all distal tibial protuberances.
© 2020 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Publication Date: 2020-06-29 PubMed ID: 32602266DOI: 10.1111/vru.12875Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- 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.
The research paper presents an anatomical study on the complex structure of the lower horse tibia(leg), which is not well-explained in current literature. Through regular radiographic projections and CT scans, the study offers a detailed analysis of the anatomy.
Anatomy of equine distal tibia
The primary aim of the study was to elaborate on the normal structure of the lower tibia in horses. The complexity of the anatomy can cause difficulties in identifying possible disorders, due to overlapping bones structures and similar radiographic appearances. The objective was achieved by:
- Conducting radiographic identification of bone prominences in the lower tibia area on three cadaveric legs using radiopaque markers.
- Creation of anatomical maps via evaluation of multiplanar and 3D CT reconstructions.
Findings
The study found that:
- The lateral malleolus is composed of frontal and rear prominences. These prominences overlay the intermediate cochlear ridge of the lower tibia, thus obscuring the visualization of the anterior prominence of the lateral malleolus on the side-medial, back 45° side-bottom-medial, and back 65° medial-bottom-side oblique views.
- The medial malleolus is a simple rounded prominence with clear borders. Due to overlaying with the talus, it is not well-defined in the dorsal 65° medial-plantarolateral oblique view.
- The intermediate cochlear ridge of the lower tibia extends in a forward-side to backward-medial direction. Its anterior prominence is largely superimposed with the heel bone and talus (a large bone in the ankle) in the dorsal-plantar view.
Summary
The horse’s lower tibia anatomy is multifaceted, and a comprehensive reference is necessary when examining x-rays of the horse ankle for potential ailments. The researchers propose a plantaro 15° distal 85° lateral-dorsoproximomedial oblique projection (a specific imaging orientation) to distinctly present all lower tibia prominences.
Cite This Article
APA
Huguet EE, Porter EG, Chapman KA, Saunders FC, Davis B, Berry CR.
(2020).
Radiographic anatomy of the equine distal tibia.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 61(5), 497-506.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12875 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
- VetCT Telemedicine Consultations, VetCT, Orlando, Florida.
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
- VetCT Telemedicine Consultations, VetCT, Orlando, Florida.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Prospective Studies
- Radiography / veterinary
- Tibia / diagnostic imaging
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This article includes 22 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Bowers K, Weinhandl JT, Anderson DE. A review of equine tibial fractures. Equine Vet J 2023 Mar;55(2):171-181.
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