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Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / The Evolution of Lesions on Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Ima...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(12); 1731; doi: 10.3390/ani14121731

The Evolution of Lesions on Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Proximal Metacarpal Region in Non-Racing Sport Horses That Returned to Work (2015-2023).

Abstract: This study evaluates the change in an MRI of the proximal metacarpal region in a group of sport horses that returned to work. This retrospective analysis evaluated 18 limbs represented by 17 horses. Results: The hyperintense signal within the dorsal collagenous part of the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) on T1W/T2*W GRE sequences decreased or stayed the same in the majority of cases. The hyperintense STIR signal within the dorsal collagenous part of the PSL resolved in the majority of the patients, and the third metacarpal bone (McIII) hyperintense STIR signal resolved in all patients. The dorsal margin irregularity of the PSL stayed the same, and McIII sclerosis and resorption of the palmar margin of McIII stayed the same in the majority of cases. McIII hyperintense STIR signal resolution carries a broad time range, with a mean of 94 days and a range of 47-202 days. Conclusions: Complete normalization of the dorsal collagenous part of the PSL does not appear necessary for a return to soundness, but a resolution of the McIII hyperintense STIR signal is expected for horses returning to soundness. A rescan period of 120 days for the proximal metacarpal region is suggested. In addition, there was no significant change in the size of the PSL between the initial and final MRI.
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Publication Date: 2024-06-08 PubMed ID: 38929351PubMed Central: PMC11201264DOI: 10.3390/ani14121731Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 study investigates how horse injuries in the proximal metacarpal region evolve, as detected by MRI, when those horses return to work. The findings suggest disease in the suspensory ligament (PSL) can improve or remain stable, and resolution of bone issues is necessary for horses to return to good health.

Research Methodology

  • This study is a retrospective analysis. This is an observational method that looks backwards in time, usually using medical records and self-reporting.
  • It involved 18 limbs from a sample size of 17 non-racing sport horses.
  • Limb injuries were tracked through follow-up Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. The MRI is an imaging technique used in radiology to visualize internal structures.

Findings

  • The hyperintense signal, an indication of inflammation or lesion, within the dorsal collagenous part of the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) on MRIs primarily decreased or remained the same.
  • The majority of the horses showed resolution of the hyperintense STIR (Short TI Inversion Recovery) signal within the PSL. STIR is a specific MRI sequence that highlights the presence of water (inflammation) against fat.
  • Interestingly, all horses showed resolution of a hyperintense STIR signal in the third metacarpal bone (McIII), another key area of the horse’s leg.
  • However, irregularities to the dorsal margin of the PSL, i.e., the border towards the rear part of the horse, largely stayed the same.
  • Similarly, the McIII sclerosis (hardening of tissue) and resorption of the palmar margin (inner margin, towards the horse’s palm) of McIII also didn’t change much in the majority of horses.

Conclusions

  • The study revealed that for horses to return to soundness, or proper functioning without discomfort, complete normalization of the dorsal collagenous part of the PSL isn’t necessary. However, resolution of the McIII hyperintense STIR signal was expected.
  • The researchers suggest a rescan period of 120 days for the proximal metacarpal region to track recovery progress.
  • There was no significant change in the size of the PSL between the initial and final MRI.

Cite This Article

APA
van Veggel ECS, Vanderperren K, Selberg KT, Bergman HJ, Hoogelander B. (2024). The Evolution of Lesions on Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Proximal Metacarpal Region in Non-Racing Sport Horses That Returned to Work (2015-2023). Animals (Basel), 14(12), 1731. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14121731

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 12
PII: 1731

Researcher Affiliations

van Veggel, Elisabeth C S
  • Sporthorse Medical Diagnostic Centre (SMDC), 5384 RC Heesch, The Netherlands.
Vanderperren, Katrien
  • Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
Selberg, Kurt T
  • Johnson Family Equine Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Bergman, Hendrik-Jan
  • Sporthorse Medical Diagnostic Centre (SMDC), 5384 RC Heesch, The Netherlands.
Hoogelander, Brenda
  • Sporthorse Medical Diagnostic Centre (SMDC), 5384 RC Heesch, The Netherlands.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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