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Equine veterinary journal2012; 45(4); 448-453; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00687.x

Synovial folds in equine articular process joints.

Abstract: Cervical synovial folds have been suggested as a potential cause of neck pain in humans. Little is known about the extent and characteristics of cervical synovial folds in horses. Objective: The objective of this explorative study was to determine the frequency of synovial folds in equine cervical articular process joints and to provide a characterisation of the size and morphology of the synovial folds. Methods: Equine cervical articular process joints from 6 horses were included in the study, ranging from cervical vertebra 2 (C2) to cervical vertebra 7 (C7) bilaterally. The articular process joints were dissected, and the cranial and caudal synovial folds of each joint were measured and embedded in paraffin. Synovial folds were analysed histologically and classified according to type, as adipose, fibrous and mixed type. Factors potentially influencing fold size were investigated, including joint number (from C2/C3 to C6/C7), fold type, position of fold within the joint (cranial or caudal) and side of neck (right or left). Results: Synovial folds were identified in 98% of cervical articular process joints examined. The width of the synovial folds varied from 4 to 41 mm, and the height from 1 to 17.8 mm. Thirty-eight per cent of the synovial folds were of adipose type, 41% of fibrous type and 21% of mixed type. Synovial fold size was significantly influenced by the side of the neck and fold type. Conclusions: This study provides a characterisation of the frequency, size and morphology of equine cervical synovial folds in 6 horses. Synovial folds were present in 98% of the cervical articular process joints examined, and the size of the synovial folds indicates that they could be damaged by acute injury or chronic disease in the cervical articular process joints.
© 2012 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2012-11-12 PubMed ID: 23145931DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00687.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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.

The research article explores the prevalence, size, and morphology of cervical synovial folds in horses, and suggests that these folds could be a potential source of neck pain, hypothesizing this based on previous human studies.

Objective and Methodology

  • The aim of the study was to establish the frequency of synovial folds in horse joints and depict a clear breakdown of their size and morphology.
  • The study was conducted on cervical articular process joints from 6 horses, focusing on cervical vertebra 2 (C2) through cervical vertebra 7 (C7), on both sides of the neck.
  • Examinations involved dissection of the joints and measurement of the cranial and caudal synovial folds of each joint.
  • The folds were then classified into adipose, fibrous and mixed types based on their histological analysis.

Results of the Study

  • Almost all the studied joints, a total of 98%, presented with synovial folds.
  • The size of these folds varied significantly, with widths ranging from 4 to 41 mm and height ranging between 1 to 17.8 mm.
  • The distribution of the type of folds was almost evenly split with 38% being of the adipose type, 41% the fibrous type, and 21% a mix of both.
  • Notably, the size of the synovial fold had a significant correlation with the side of the neck and the type of fold.

Conclusions

  • The study provides characterization of the frequency, size, and morphology of equine cervical synovial folds in the examined sample of 6 horses.
  • The researchers found synovial folds in 98% of the cervical articular process joints examined.
  • The size variation of the synovial folds suggests that they could potentially be damaged by acute injuries or chronic disease in the cervical articular process joints, indicating a possible cause for neck pain in horses.

The findings of this study lay the groundwork for future research on the role of synovial folds in equine cervical joint pain.

Cite This Article

APA
Thomsen LN, Berg LC, Markussen B, Thomsen PD. (2012). Synovial folds in equine articular process joints. Equine Vet J, 45(4), 448-453. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00687.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 45
Issue: 4
Pages: 448-453

Researcher Affiliations

Thomsen, L N
  • Department of Basic Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. linet@sund.ku.dk
Berg, L C
    Markussen, B
      Thomsen, P D

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Cadaver
        • Cervical Vertebrae
        • Horses / anatomy & histology
        • Synovial Membrane / pathology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 1 times.
        1. Davidson EJ, Stefanovski D, Slack J, Manzi TJ. Ultrasound-guided caudal cervical articular process arthrocentesis is accurate in live horses with and without arthropathy. Equine Vet J 2025 Mar;57(2):398-405.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14133pubmed: 38989893google scholar: lookup
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