Short-term temporal alterations in magnetic resonance signal occur in primary lesions identified in the deep digital flexor tendon of the equine digit.
Abstract: Primary lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) within the digit are an important cause of lameness diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but appearance of these lesions over time has not been documented. Objective: To determine whether the magnetic resonance (MR) appearance of different primary DDFT lesions alter over a 6 month period and whether lesion type is a determinant of these changes. Methods: Cases included had lameness attributable to a primary lesion involving the DDFT in the digit diagnosed on MRI. Lesions were typed into parasagittal, dorsal border and core lesions. Approximate volumes and intensities were quantified for each lesion type using T2* scan sequences. Follow-up examinations and measurements were repeated at 3 and 6 month periods following conservative management. Results: Twenty-three horses fitted the inclusion criteria. Lesion distribution included: parasagittal (n = 7), dorsal border (n = 11) and core lesions (n = 5). No association was found between age of horse, degree of lameness and lesion type. Only dorsal border lesions showed statistically significant reduction both in volume (initial scan: 0.18 ± 0.14 cm(3) ) at 3 months (0.11 ± 0.10 cm(3) , P<0.05) and 6 months (0.05 ± 0.05 cm(3) , P<0.01) and ratiometric intensity (initial scan: 4.06 ± 1.54) at 6 months (2.00 ± 0.43; P<0.01). Parasagittal and core lesions showed no difference in lesion volume or ratiometric intensity. Lameness improved in all lesion types following conservative management. Conclusions: Dorsal border lesions of the DDFT show reduction in both volume and intensity whereas parasagittal and core lesions do not. Conclusions: Lesion typing may be important in predicting lesion behaviour and short-term outcome using MR imaging.
© 2011 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-06-23 PubMed ID: 21696437DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00410.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research study investigates the changes in deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) lesions in horses over a period of 6 months. The findings reveal that only dorsal border lesions in the DDFT show a reduction in volume and intensity, whereas parasagittal and core lesions remain unchanged.
Research Objective
The main objective of the research was to determine if different types of primary DDFT lesions demonstrate any changes over a 6 month period. Further, the study aimed to understand if the type of lesion can predict these changes.
Methodology
- The research included cases of lameness in horses attributed to a primary lesion in the DDFT, which was diagnosed through MRI.
- The lesions were categorized into three types: parasagittal, dorsal border, and core lesions.
- Using T2* scan sequences, approximate volumes and intensities of each lesion type were determined.
- Follow-up examinations and measurement were conducted at 3 and 6 months after the implementation of conservative management of the lesions.
Results
- A total of 23 horses met the criteria for the study, with lesion distribution as follows: 7 with parasagittal, 11 with dorsal border, and 5 with core lesions.
- The researchers found no significant relation between the horse’s age, degree of lameness, and the type of lesion.
- They observed that only dorsal border lesions displayed a significant reduction in both volume and intensity at the 3 and 6-month marks. On the other hand, parasagittal and core lesions showed no change over time.
- All types of lesions showed improvement in lameness after conservative management.
Conclusions
- The findings suggest that dorsal border lesions in DDFT show a reduction in both volume and intensity while parasagittal and core lesions do not.
- It is concluded that lesion typing might play a significant role in predicting the behaviour of the lesion and the short-term outcome using MR imaging.
Cite This Article
APA
Milner PI, Sidwell S, Talbot AM, Clegg PD.
(2011).
Short-term temporal alterations in magnetic resonance signal occur in primary lesions identified in the deep digital flexor tendon of the equine digit.
Equine Vet J, 44(2), 157-162.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00410.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus Nottingham Trent University. Burton Street, Nottingham, UK. p.i.milner@liverpool.ac.uk
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Forelimb / pathology
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Male
- Tendon Injuries / pathology
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
- Tendons / pathology
- Time Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Doll CU, Bohner M, Berner D, Buettner K, Horstmeier C, Winter K, Burk J. Approaches to standardising the magnetic resonance image analysis of equine tendon lesions. Vet Rec Open 2023 Jun;10(1):e257.
- Evrard L, Joostens Z, Vandersmissen M, Audigié F, Busoni V. Comparison Between Ultrasonographic and Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in the Podotrochlear Apparatus of Horses With Foot Pain. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:675180.
- Ribitsch I, Gueltekin S, Keith MF, Minichmair K, Peham C, Jenner F, Egerbacher M. Age-related changes of tendon fibril micro-morphology and gene expression. J Anat 2020 Apr;236(4):688-700.
- Scharf A, Acutt E, Bills K, Werpy N. Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing and managing deep digital flexor tendinopathy in equine athletes: Insights, advances and future directions. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1183-1203.
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