Radiographic localization of the attachments of soft tissue structures in the tarsal region of horses.

This study explored the radiographic localization of soft tissue attachments in the tarsal region of horses to better understand the anatomy and any variations in the area. The results confirm that these attachments have distinct radiographic landmarks, which could be optimised using certain radiographic views.

Methodology

• The researchers used 15 cadaveric limbs from 8 adult horses for the study.
• Eight of the limbs were dissected and radiographed with metallic markers identifying the locations of soft tissue attachments.
• The remaining seven limbs were used to evaluate variations of the insertion of the tendon of the fibularis tertius muscle (a muscle in the lower leg of the horse).
• The team then created a consensus list of preferred radiographic views to maximise the visualisation of these soft tissue attachments.

Results

• They found that it was best to evaluate the collateral ligaments through the dorsoplantar, dorsoproximolateral-plantarodistomedial oblique, dorsoproximomedial-plantarodistolateral oblique, and plantaroproximal-plantarodistal oblique views.
• Standard oblique views, along with the plantaroproximal-plantarodistal oblique view, were best for assessing the tendinous attachments of the gastrocnemius and superficial digital flexor muscles.
• All four standard views were crucial in assessing the tendinous attachments of the cranial tibial and fibularis tertius muscles, the dorsal tarsal ligament, and the origin of the suspensory ligament.
• Three variations of the fibularis tertius tendon insertion were identified.

Conclusion

• In horses with osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints, they found the dorsal tarsal ligament firmly stuck to the centrodistal tarsal joint.
• The main takeaway from the study was that the soft tissue attachments in the horse’s tarsal region were in distinct, identifiable, radiographic locations.
• Individual visualizations of these attachments could be optimized by utilizing specific radiographic views, including some nonstandard approaches.