Radiographic, scintigraphic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in the palmar processes of the distal phalanx.
Abstract: Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) in the palmar processes of the distal phalanx is recognised but its clinical significance has not been established. Objective: To investigate the relationship between radiographic, scintigraphic and MRI findings in the palmar processes of the distal phalanx. Objective: Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the palmar processes of the distal phalanx is associated with MRI abnormalities; IRU and MRI abnormalities are over-represented in lame limbs. Methods: Clinical data, radiographic, scintigraphic and MRI findings of 258 horses with unilateral or bilateral foot pain were recorded. Scintigraphic images were assessed subjectively and using region of interest and profile analysis, and intensity of IRU graded. Alteration in signal intensity in T1 and T2 weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) MR images was documented, and MRI abnormalities graded. Relationships between scintigraphic, MRI, radiographic and clinical findings were assessed. Results: Focal IRU was over-represented in palmar processes with most MRI abnormalities. There was a significant correlation between IRU and MRI grades and IRU was over-represented in palmar processes with MRI Grades 2 and 3. Both IRU and MRI abnormalities occurred most frequently in the medial palmar process. MRI abnormalities were generally over-represented in lame limbs. The most common MRI abnormality was mild diffuse decreased signal intensity in T1 and T2 weighted images, which was associated with mild generalised IRU. Conclusions: There was considerable variation in the radiographic, scintigraphic and MRI appearance of palmar processes of the distal phalanx. Focal IRU in a palmar process was seen in association with MRI abnormalities and lameness or as an incidental finding. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities occurred more frequently in lame limbs, either contributing to lameness or as a consequence of lameness. Conclusions: Further investigation is needed to establish the clinical significance of MRI abnormalities in the palmar processes of the distal phalanx and their relationship with lesions in adjacent structures.
Publication Date: 2007-12-18 PubMed ID: 18083661DOI: 10.2746/042516407X223707Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates the connection between different types of imaging findings in the palmar processes of distal phalanx in horses suffering from foot pain. It reveals a strong correlation between increased radiopharmaceutical uptake (IRU) and abnormalities detected by MRI and found these abnormalities were most common in lame limbs.
Study Objective and Methodology
- The main aim of this research was to find any potential relationships between radiographic, scintigraphic and MRI findings in the distal phalanx – the bone located at the end of the toe or foot.
- Nearly 258 horses suffering from either unilateral or bilateral foot pain were studied and their clinical data collected.
- Analyses were done on radiographic, scintigraphic, and MRI images of these horses. The scintigraphic images were assessed both subjectively and objectively, using region of interest and profile analysis methods.
- The researchers looked for alterations in signal intensity in T1 and T2 weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) MR images, with the purpose of grading MRI abnormalities.
Results of the Research
- Most MRI abnormalities were found in the palmar processes with the highest frequency of focal IRU.
- A significant correlation was found between the grades of IRU and MRI, particularly the 2nd and 3rd grades of MRI abnormalities.
- IRU and MRI abnormalities were most prominently observed in the medial palmar process.
- Lame limbs were more likely to show MRI abnormalities. The most common abnormality was a mild diffuse decrease in signal intensity in T1 and T2 weighted images, and this was related to a mild generalised IRU.
Conclusions
- There was a wide variation in how the palmar processes of distal phalanx appeared on radiographic, scintigraphic, and MRI images. This was highlighted especially by the presence of focal IRU in a palmar process in relation with MRI abnormalities and lameness.
- MRI abnormalities occurred more frequently in lame limbs and could be either a factor contributing to lameness, or a consequence thereof.
- The research concludes by recommending further investigation into the clinical significance of MRI abnormalities in the distal phalanx and how they might relate to lesions in the adjacent areas.
Cite This Article
APA
Nagy A, Dyson SJ, Murray RM.
(2007).
Radiographic, scintigraphic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in the palmar processes of the distal phalanx.
Equine Vet J, 40(1), 57-63.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516407X223707 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Centre for Equine Studies, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Foot Diseases / diagnosis
- Foot Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Foot Diseases / pathology
- Foot Diseases / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
- Lameness, Animal / diagnostic imaging
- Lameness, Animal / pathology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Male
- Pain / diagnosis
- Pain / diagnostic imaging
- Pain / pathology
- Pain / veterinary
- Radiography / methods
- Radiography / veterinary
- Radionuclide Imaging / methods
- Radionuclide Imaging / veterinary
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Severity of Illness Index
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Walker L, Martinelli MJ, Rantanen N, Drumond B, Trostle S. Attenuation From Shoes and Pads in Equine Nuclear Scintigraphy, With Relevance to Solar Views. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:516718.
- Mizobe F, Nomura M, Kanai K, Ishikawa Y, Yamada K. Standing magnetic resonance imaging of distal phalanx fractures in 6 cases of Thoroughbred racehorse. J Vet Med Sci 2019 May 11;81(5):689-693.
- Szabó L, Pollard D, Nagy A. Computed tomographic measurements in 110 front hooves of non-lame Thoroughbred racehorses and Warmblood showjumpers. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1328-1340.
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