Radiographic anatomy of the equine distal tibia.
- Journal Article
Summary
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
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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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.