The cross-sectional areas of normal equine digital flexor tendons determined ultrasonographically.
Abstract: Fifty-two animals, comprising 22 Irish Draught crosses (Group A), 15 Thoroughbreds (Group B) and 15 ponies (Group C) were examined ultrasonographically using a 7.5 mHz linear array probe and stand-off pad. All animals were free of tendon disease as determined from clinical and ultrasonographical examination. The superficial (SDFT) and deep (DDFT) digital flexor tendons were scanned at 7 transverse (axial) levels between the carpus and metacarpophalangeal joint. Each transverse image was digitised using a commercially available frame grabber and the cross-sectional areas of each tendon at each level measured using a dedicated software application. Excellent accuracy (averaging less than 5%) was demonstrated between the ultrasound generated areas and those measured from the tendons post mortem in 12 limbs. The mean, s.d. and tolerance intervals of both SDFT and DDFT cross-sectional areas at each level were determined for each group of horses. There was no statistically significant difference between Groups A and B and these 2 groups were, therefore, combined for further analysis. The cross-sectional areas of both tendons were statistically smaller for Group C when compared to Groups A and B. The ratio of SDFT to DDFT cross-sectional areas was calculated for each level and this demonstrated less variation between groups. The difference in measurements between limbs of the same horse was analysed. The mean differences for all groups were 9.13 mm2 for the SDFT and 11.64 mm2 for the DDFT. Upper limits (95% of the population) were 22.67 mm2 (SDFT) and 29.22 mm2 (DDFT).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Publication Date: 1994-11-01 PubMed ID: 7889919DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1994.tb04050.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article studies the cross-sectional areas of normal equine digital flexor tendons using ultrasonographic scan, and finds the areas vary by type of horse breed, while noting little variation in the ratio of superficial to deep digital flexor tendon areas.
Research Methodology
- The research took into account 52 animals – 22 Irish Draught crosses (Group A), 15 Thoroughbreds (Group B) and 15 ponies (Group C).
- These animals were examined using a 7.5 mHz linear array probe and stand-off pad, to determine the cross-sectional areas of their superficial (SDFT) and deep (DDFT) digital flexor tendons.
- Ultrasonographical scans were done at 7 transverse (axial) levels between the carpus and metacarpophalangeal joint of the animals.
- The cross-sectional area of each tendon at each level was measured using a dedicated software application after digitizing the transverse image using a commercially available frame grabber.
Findings
- The study found a high accuracy rate, average less than 5%, between the ultrasound generated areas and those measured post mortem in 12 limbs.
- The study reported the mean, standard deviation, and tolerance intervals of both SDFT and DDFT cross-sectional areas at each level for each group of horses.
- It was discovered that there was no significant difference between the cross-sectional areas of the tendons in Group A and Group B horses, so the two groups were combined for further analysis.
- However, a statistically significant smaller tendon cross-sectional area was identified in Group C (ponies) as compared to the combined Groups A and B.
- The ratio of SDFT to DDFT cross-sectional areas was calculated for each level, which demonstrated less variation between the groups.
- The difference in measurements between limbs of the same horse was also analysed.
- The researchers found a mean difference of 9.13 mm2 for the SDFT and 11.64 mm2 for the DDFT, with upper limits at 95% of the population being 22.67 mm2 (SDFT) and 29.22 mm2 (DDFT).
Implication
- The study provides valuable baseline measurements for equine digital flexor tendons in different horse breeds, which can be useful in diagnosing tendon diseases or abnormalities in horses.
- The high accuracy rate between ultrasonically measured tendon cross-sectional areas and postmortem measurements support the reliability of using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in equine medicine.
Cite This Article
APA
Smith RK, Jones R, Webbon PM.
(1994).
The cross-sectional areas of normal equine digital flexor tendons determined ultrasonographically.
Equine Vet J, 26(6), 460-465.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1994.tb04050.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Male
- Reproducibility of Results
- Species Specificity
- Tendons / diagnostic imaging
- Ultrasonography
Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- Gadallah S, Sharshar A, Fadel M, Mahran E, Hammad A. Ultrasonographic characterization of tendons and ligaments of palmar/plantar aspect of the cannon region in Egyptian donkeys. Iran J Vet Res 2024;25(2):143-155.
- Peat FJ, Kawcak CE, McIlwraith CW, Berk JT, Keenan DP, Selberg KT, Ojeda A. Ultrasonography of the suspensory ligament branches in yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbred sales horses: Prevalence, progression of findings and associations with racing performance. Equine Vet J 2025 Mar;57(2):384-397.
- Schade J, de Souza AF, Vincensi LC, Müller TR, Fonteque JH. Ultrasound Morphometry and Mean Echogenicity of Digital Flexor Tendons, Suspensory Ligament, and Accessory Ligament of Digital Deep Flexor Tendon in Gaited Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Apr 20;13(8).
- Schade J, de Souza AF, Vincensi LC, Fonteque JH. The influence of the metacarpophalangeal joint angle on the transversal area and mean echogenicity of the superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament in gaited horses. J Equine Sci 2021 Dec;32(4):135-141.
- Trolinger-Meadows KD, Biedrzycki AH, He H, Werpy N. Three-Dimensional Segmentation and in silico Comparison of Equine Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Pathology in Horses Undergoing Repeated MRI Examination. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:706046.
- Jacquet-Guibon S, Dupays AG, Coudry V, Crevier-Denoix N, Leroy S, Siñeriz F, Chiappini F, Barritault D, Denoix JM. Randomized controlled trial demonstrates the benefit of RGTA® based matrix therapy to treat tendinopathies in racing horses. PLoS One 2018;13(3):e0191796.
- Padaliya NR, Ranpariya JJ, Kumar D, Javia CB, Barvalia DR. Ultrasonographic assessment of the equine palmar tendons. Vet World 2015 Feb;8(2):208-12.
- Gonçalves PV, Silva LA, Silva LH, Costa AP, Bragato N, Cardoso JR, Kofler J, Borges NC. Ultrasonography of the distal limbs in Nellore and Girolando calves 8 to 12 months of age. BMC Vet Res 2014 Apr 28;10:102.
- Smith RK, Werling NJ, Dakin SG, Alam R, Goodship AE, Dudhia J. Beneficial effects of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in naturally occurring tendinopathy. PLoS One 2013;8(9):e75697.
- Kavaguchi De Grandis A, Boulocher C, Viguier E, Roger T, Sawaya S. Ultrasonograph and clinical quantitative characterization of tendinopathy by modified splitting in a goat model. ScientificWorldJournal 2012;2012:472023.
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