[The diagnostic value of the ‘skyline’ view for the radiographic study of the navicular bone in horses].

The research focuses on comparing the diagnostic efficiency of two radiographic projection methods, titled ‘skyline’ and Oxspring’s dorsopalmar, for identifying abnormalities in the navicular bone of horses showing signs of lameness. Results indicate that the skyline view provided vital information that aided in diagnosis either independently or in conjunction with Oxspring’s projection, suggesting its usefulness as an additional view in certain situations.

Comparison of Radiographic Projections

• The study compared the effectiveness of two specific radiographic projections, referred to as Rose’s palmaroproximal-dorsodistal or ‘skyline’, and Oxspring’s dorsopalmar projection, specifically for imaging the equine navicular bone.
• The research sample comprised 102 navicular bones from 66 horses selected at random, all of which presented with clinical signs of lameness based in the navicular region.

Value of the Skyline View

• It was found that in 27 cases, critical diagnostic information could be obtained via the skyline view, with 15 of these cases being independent of the Oxspring projection, and 12 cases providing additional data to this view.
• This indicates the distinct diagnostic potential of the skyline view, either in conjunction with or separate from the Oxspring’s dorsopalmar view.

Value of the Oxspring’s Dorsopalmar Projection

• For 11 navicular studies, the Oxspring’s dorsopalmar projection turned out to be the most effective diagnostic view.
• In 64 other studies, the data provided by Both the Skyline view and the Oxspring’s dorsopalmar projection were of equal diagnostic value.

Recommendations and Conclusions

• The study suggests that the skyline projection be used as an additional view, particularly in situations where a significant discrepancy between the clinical and radiographic findings based on lateromedial and Oxspring projections is observed.
• It would also be helpful in cases where the Oxspring projection reveals ill-defined lesions of unknown significance. The Skyline view could provide supplementary data to aid in diagnosis.