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The Journal of veterinary medical science2019; 81(5); 689-693; doi: 10.1292/jvms.18-0183

Standing magnetic resonance imaging of distal phalanx fractures in 6 cases of Thoroughbred racehorse.

Abstract: Six Thoroughbred racehorses with palmar process fractures of the distal phalanx were evaluated with standing magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). In all the cases, the fractures were detectable on T1-weighted images and fat-suppressed images. Furthermore, multi-planar reconstruction images were useful for assessing the articular involvement of the fractures. Follow-up sMRI was obtainable in 3 cases, which revealed that the area of high signal intensity on fat-suppressed images decreased over time as symptoms improved. Our findings support the use of sMRI for the detailed evaluation of distal phalanx fractures including their articular involvement and the healing process.
Publication Date: 2019-03-21 PubMed ID: 30905907PubMed Central: PMC6541851DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0183Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research uses standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI) to observe fractures in the distal phalanx (a bone in the foot) of Thoroughbred racehorses. The paper supports its use in revealing details about the fractures and following its healing process.

Use of sMRI in Diagnosing Distal Phalanx Fractures

  • The researchers investigated six cases of Thoroughbred racehorses suffering from palmar process fractures of the distal phalanx. These fractures were examined utilizing standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (sMRI).
  • The standing MRI technique was found to be successful in identifying these fractures on T1-weighted images, and fat-suppressed images. This suggests that sMRI is a useful tool in detecting this type of fracture in racehorses.
  • Because horses can remain standing during the imaging process, sMRI represents a less stressful, non-invasive technique to evaluate potential fractures as compared to other imaging solutions that may require anesthesia.

Multi-Planar Reconstruction and Healing Process

  • Beyond successful detection, the use of multi-planar reconstruction images through sMRI was proven effective for assessing the extent to which the fractures affect the articular (joint) involvement.
  • This element highlights the extent of the fracture’s impact on the joint and is crucial for formulating a comprehensive treatment plan.
  • Follow-up sMRI was obtained in three of the six cases. These images revealed a reduction in the area of high signal intensity on fat-suppressed images over time, indicating the healing process of the fractures and symptom relief over time.

Suggestions for Future Use of sMRI

  • Based on these findings, the paper supports the use of sMRI for the evaluation of distal phalanx fractures in Thoroughbreds.
  • It provides critical details about the fractures, such as the extent of articular involvement, and can be used to track the healing process, offering valuable insight for veterinarians treating such conditions.
  • With its demonstrated effectiveness, sMRI can be seen as a valuable addition to the diagnostic tools available in equine medicine.

Cite This Article

APA
Mizobe F, Nomura M, Kanai K, Ishikawa Y, Yamada K. (2019). Standing magnetic resonance imaging of distal phalanx fractures in 6 cases of Thoroughbred racehorse. J Vet Med Sci, 81(5), 689-693. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.18-0183

Publication

ISSN: 1347-7439
NlmUniqueID: 9105360
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 81
Issue: 5
Pages: 689-693

Researcher Affiliations

Mizobe, Fumiaki
  • Racehorse Hospital, Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki 300-0493, Japan.
Nomura, Motoi
  • Racehorse Hospital, Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Shiga 520-3085, Japan.
Kanai, Kota
  • Racehorse Hospital, Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Shiga 520-3085, Japan.
Ishikawa, Yuhiro
  • Racehorse Hospital, Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Shiga 520-3085, Japan.
Yamada, Kazutaka
  • Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
  • Fracture Healing
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Horses / injuries
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Basran PS, McDonough S, Palmer S, Reesink HL. Radiomics Modeling of Catastrophic Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fractures in Thoroughbred Racehorses Using μCT. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 4;12(21).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12213033pubmed: 36359157google scholar: lookup