Recent advances in articular cartilage evaluation using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Abstract: Articular cartilage is a critical joint tissue and its evaluation remains a diagnostic challenge in horses. Coupled with a poor capacity for healing, early degenerative changes in articular cartilage are difficult to characterise using routine diagnostic imaging evaluations. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide volumetric joint assessment and highlight morphological and quantitative properties of articular cartilage, improving assessment of this essential tissue. While the use of CT and MRI for joint evaluation is not new, there still remains a shortage of literature and scientific studies on the ability of these methods to evaluate articular cartilage in the horse. This review article summarises current CT and MRI techniques capable of characterising equine articular cartilage, highlights recent advances in these techniques and discusses the numerous methods studied in human subjects that have been minimally investigated in horses. Imaging techniques are presented in terms of their capabilities of offering morphological and quantitative evaluation along with a discussion of their benefits and limitations. Finally, it summarises the current state-of-the-art approaches and identifies unmet clinical imaging needs to propel the advancement of articular cartilage and joint imaging in the horse.
© 2018 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2018-02-27 PubMed ID: 29344988DOI: 10.1111/evj.12808Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
- Anatomy
- Articular Cartilage
- Clinical Examination
- Computed Tomography
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Disease Diagnosis
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Horses
- Imaging Techniques
- Joint Health
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Musculoskeletal System
- Radiology
- Treatment
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Practice
- Veterinary Procedure
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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This research paper reviews the recent advancements in techniques and technology for evaluating knee cartilage in horses using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It also discusses the current challenges and limitations in these imaging techniques and highlights areas where further research and improvement are needed.
Introduction
- The research begins by emphasizing the importance of evaluating articular cartilage, a critical joint tissue in horses. This tissue is significant to the health and movement of horses, but it possesses poor healing ability and is hard to assess with standard imaging tools.
- Techniques for imaging this cartilage, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have improved over time, providing better anatomical and quantitative data on the tissue. However, both remain underutilized in veterinary medicine, particularly in horse care.
Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Techniques
- The paper outlines different CT and MRI techniques currently in use for examining horse cartilage and the way they capture the shape and quantity of the tissue.
- CT and MRI not only provide a three-dimensional assessment of the joint but also allow the observation of early degenerative changes that are otherwise challenging to detect.
- The paper also examines the limitations and advantages of these imaging techniques, noting that each offers unique insight into the structure and condition of the horse’s cartilage but has certain restrictions and drawbacks.
Methods Studied in Humans
- The researchers draw attention to certain imaging techniques and methods that have been used in human patients but have not been sufficiently explored or applied in veterinary medicine for horses.
- These techniques could potentially offer greater insight into cartilage health in horses and might serve as a resource for developing better diagnostic tools.
Future Strategies and Needs
- The paper concludes with a summary of the current state-of-the-art approaches to articular cartilage and joint imaging in horses.
- It identifies gaps in the clinical imaging field and discusses potential future actions, such as research and technical advancements, which would contribute to improved diagnosis and better care for horses with joint-related issues.
Cite This Article
APA
Nelson BB, Kawcak CE, Barrett MF, McIlwraith CW, Grinstaff MW, Goodrich LR.
(2018).
Recent advances in articular cartilage evaluation using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Equine Vet J, 50(5), 564-579.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12808 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry and Medicine, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
- Gail Holmes Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cartilage, Articular / diagnostic imaging
- Cartilage, Articular / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary
Citations
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