Saline Arthrography of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint for Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Equine Podotrochlear Bursa: Feasibility Study.
Abstract: Abnormalities of the deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bone, and collateral sesamoidean ligament can be difficult to visualize using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if bursal fluid is absent. The use of saline podotrochlear bursography improves podotrochlear apparatus evaluation, however, the technique has disadvantages. The objective of this prospective feasibility study was to describe saline arthrography of the distal interphalangeal joint as an alternative technique for improving MRI visualization of the deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bone, collateral sesamoidean ligament, and podotrochlear bursa, and to compare this technique with saline podotrochlear bursography. Eight paired cadaver forelimbs were sampled. Saline podotrochlear bursography or saline arthrography techniques were randomly assigned to one limb, with the alternate technique performed on the contralateral limb. For precontrast and postcontrast studies using each technique, independent observers scored visualization of the dorsal aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon, palmar aspect of the navicular bone, collateral sesamoidean ligament, and podotrochlear bursa. Both contrast techniques improved visualization of structures over precontrast MR images and visualization scores for both techniques were similar. Findings from this study demonstrated that saline arthrography is feasible and comparable to saline podotrochlear bursography for producing podotrochlear bursa distension and separation of the structures of the podotrochlear apparatus on nonweight bearing limbs evaluated with low-field MRI. Clinical evaluation of saline arthrography on live animals is needed to determine if this technique is safe and effective as an alternative to saline podotrochlear bursography in horses with suspected pathology of the podotrochlear apparatus.
© 2015 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Publication Date: 2015-04-06 PubMed ID: 25857430DOI: 10.1111/vru.12255Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Anatomy
- Arthroscopy
- Cadaver Study
- Clinical Study
- Deep Digital Flexor Tendon
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Distal Interphalangeal Joint
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Equine Science
- Horses
- In Vivo
- Ligaments
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Musculoskeletal System
- Navicular Bone
- Physiology
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
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.
This research was focused on developing a more effective method for visualizing abnormalities in horses’ foot structures using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A new technique, saline arthrography, was compared to an existing method, saline podotrochlear bursography, and was found to be a feasible comparable alternative.
Study Objective and Design
- The researchers aimed to describe saline arthrography of the distal interphalangeal joint as an alternative to saline podotrochlear bursography, a previously employed technique that has certain disadvantages.
- Eight paired cadaver forelimbs were used in this study, with each pair undergoing a different imaging technique. The goal was to determine if saline arthrography could enable better visualization of the deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bone, collateral sesamoidean ligament, and podotrochlear bursa during MRI.
Procedure and Outcome Measures
- Independent observers looked at precontrast and postcontrast MR images to assess the quality of image enhancement achieved by each technique.
- The measures of success were based on the scores assigned for visualization of various anatomical components. These included the dorsal aspect of the deep digital flexor tendon, palmar aspect of the navicular bone, collateral sesamoidean ligament, and podotrochlear bursa.
Results and Conclusion
- Both contrast techniques improved the visualization of the structures over precontrast MR images and compared similarly in empirical tests.
- Saline arthrography was found to be a viable alternative to the saline podotrochlear bursography technique for producing desirable distension and separation of the podotrochlear apparatus’s structures.
- The study concluded that saline arthrography is feasible and comparable to saline podotrochlear bursography when low-field MRI is used on nonweight bearing horse limbs.
Further Research
- The researchers suggested further verification of the technique on live animals to confirm saline arthrography’s effectiveness and safety as an alternative to saline podotrochlear bursography in horses with suspected foot conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
McGill SL, Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Schaeffer DJ, Hartman SK, O'Brien RT, Joslyn SK.
(2015).
Saline Arthrography of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint for Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Equine Podotrochlear Bursa: Feasibility Study.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound, 56(4), 417-424.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12255 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthrography / veterinary
- Bursa, Synovial / diagnostic imaging
- Cadaver
- Collateral Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
- Contrast Media
- Feasibility Studies
- Foot / diagnostic imaging
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horses
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Methylene Blue
- Prospective Studies
- Random Allocation
- Sodium Chloride
- Tendons / diagnostic imaging
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Osborn ML, Cornille JL, Blas-Machado U, Uhl EW. The equine navicular apparatus as a premier enthesis organ: Functional implications. Vet Surg 2021 May;50(4):713-728.
- van Zadelhoff C, Schwarz T, Smith S, Engerand A, Taylor S. Identification of Naturally Occurring Cartilage Damage in the Equine Distal Interphalangeal Joint Using Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Arthrography. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:508.
- Zani D, Rabbogliatti V, Ravasio G, Pettinato C, Giancamillo MD, Zani DD. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the foot in horses using intravenous versus regional intraarterial injection of gadolinium. Open Vet J 2018;8(4):471-478.
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