Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
The plantar proximal cortex of the third metatarsal bone shows raised longitudinal ridges at the suspensory ligament enthesis in normal equine isolated limbs – a radiographic, computed tomography, and MRI study.
Abstract: Knowledge of normal radiographic appearance is essential to avoid misinterpretation of radiographs. This study aimed to assess the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of the plantar surface of the proximal metatarsus and evaluate the influence of the radiographic angle on the trabecular/cortical interface of the proximal plantar metatarsal cortex on lateromedial and slightly oblique radiographs. Unassigned: Eight hindlimbs were collected from six horses with no known history of lameness and euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study. Limbs underwent computed tomographic (CT) and radiographic examination (dorsoplantar, lateromedial, and slightly oblique radiographic views obtained by angling the beam dorsally and plantarly from the plane used for the lateromedial projection). Standing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) were used to confirm normalcy. Images were compared side-by-side by two experienced readers. Unassigned: Limbs were normal at MR imaging. Longitudinal linear ridges were present on the proximal plantar metatarsal surface in all limbs (1-2 sagittal ridges and 1 ridge located at the medial or lateral margin of the suspensory ligament). Longitudinal ridges were positioned facing an adipose-muscular bundle of the suspensory ligament on CT images and were visible as linearly increased opacities on dorsoplantar radiographs. The delineation of the trabecular/cortical interface of the proximal metatarsus changed with radiographic projection and was the sharpest on the plantaro 85° lateral to the dorsomedial oblique view. Unassigned: The proximal third metatarsal bone shows individual morphological variations, with longitudinal linear ridges that alter the bone homogeneity on dorsoplantar radiographs. An oblique plantaro 85° lateral to the dorsomedial view is suggested to better assess the presence of subcortical sclerosis when proximal suspensory enthesopathy is suspected.
Copyright © 2023 Dancot, Joostens, Audigié and Busoni.
Publication Date: 2023-11-16 PubMed ID: 38033644PubMed Central: PMC10687415DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1265116Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
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.
This research examines the normal appearance of a horse’s third metatarsal bone using a variety of imaging technologies including radiographs, CT scans, and MRIs. The findings reveal a presence of longitudinal ridges on the metatarsal surface, which can affect the interpretation of images. The study advises using an oblique angle to obtain a clearer view when checking for a specific type of medical condition.
Research Objectives
The primary aim of the study was to:
- Investigate the appearance of the plantar surface of the proximal metatarsus – the upper part of a horse’s metatarsal, or long bone in the foot – using CT scans.
- Analyse the effect of different radiographic views on the visual interpretation of the trabecular/cortical interface – the boundary between different types of bone tissue – of the proximal plantar metatarsal cortex.
Methodology
Eight hindlimbs from six horses with no history of lameness were studied. The horses were euthanized for reasons not connected to the study. The limbs underwent CT scans and radiographic examinations, using different angles and views. MR imaging was also used to confirm normalcy. Two experienced readers conducted a side-by-side comparison of the images.
Key Findings
The research revealed:
- All sampled limbs showed normal imaging in MR imaging.
- Presence of longitudinal linear ridges on the proximal plantar surface of the metatarsus in all limbs.
- The longitudinal ridges were located at the medial or lateral margin of the suspensory ligament – a key supporting structure in the leg.
- The delineation – or visual clarity – of the different types of bone tissue at the proximal metatarsus varied with the angle of the radiographic view.
- The sharpest image of the proximal metatarsus was obtained with a plantaro 85° lateral to the dorsomedial oblique view, an angle particularly useful when assessing for subcortical sclerosis – a condition suggesting bone degeneration.
Conclusions
The research concluded:
- The proximal third metatarsal bone showcased individual morphological variations, including longitudinal linear ridges that influenced the homogeneity – or uniform appearance – on dorsoplantar radiographs.
- When suspecting proximal suspensory enthesopathy – a medical condition involving damage to the suspensory ligament; an oblique plantaro 85° lateral to the dorsomedial view is suggested for a better assessment of subcortical sclerosis.
Cite This Article
APA
Dancot M, Joostens Z, Audigié F, Busoni V.
(2023).
The plantar proximal cortex of the third metatarsal bone shows raised longitudinal ridges at the suspensory ligament enthesis in normal equine isolated limbs – a radiographic, computed tomography, and MRI study.
Front Vet Sci, 10, 1265116.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1265116 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- Equitom - Equine Care Group, Lummen, Belgium.
- CIRALE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Goustranville, France.
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
References
This article includes 26 references
- Gibson KT, Steel CM. Conditions of the suspensory ligament causing lameness in horses. Equine Vet Educ (2002) 14:39–50.
- Van VE, Selberg K, Van Der V-HB, Bolas N, Vanderperren K, Bergman HJ. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the proximal metacarpal region in warmblood horses: 36 lame and 26 control limbs (2015–2021). Front Vet Sci (2021) 8:714423.
- Müller EMT, Vanderperren K, Merle R, Rheinfeld S, Leelamankong P, Lischer CJ. Findings consistent with equine proximal suspensory desmitis can be reliably detected using computed tomography and differ between affected horses and controls. Vet Radiol Ultrasound (2023) 11:13292.
- Ross MW, Dyson SJ. Diagnosis and management of Lameness in the horse. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Missouri, USA: Elsevier. (2010).
- Labens R, Schramme MC, Murray RC, Bolas N. Standing low-field MRI of the equine proximal metacarpal/metatarsal region is considered useful for diagnosing primary bone pathology and makes a positive contribution to case management: a prospective survey study. Vet Radiol Ultrasoun (2020) 61:197–205.
- Bramlage L, Gabel A, Hackett R. Avulsion fracture of the origin of the suspensory ligament in the horse. J Am Vet Med Assoc (1980) 176:1004–10.
- Werpy NM, Denoix JM. Imaging of the equine proximal suspensory ligament. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract (2012) 28:507–25.
- Meehan L, Labens R. Diagnosing desmitis of the origin of the suspensory ligament. Equine Vet Educ (2016) 28:335–43.
- Brokken MT, Schneider RK, Sampson SN, Tucker RL, Gavin PR, Ho CP. Magnetic resonance imaging features of proximal metacarpal and metatarsal injuries in the horse. Vet Radiol Ultrasound (2007) 48:507–17.
- Labens R, Schramme MC, Thrall DE, Redding WR. Clinical magnetic resonance and sonographic imaging findings in horses with proximal plantar metatarsal pain. Vet Radiol Ultrasound (2010) 51:11–8.
- Dyson SJ, Weekes JS, Murray RC. Scintigraphic evaluation of the proximal metacarpal and metatarsal regions of horses with proximal suspensory desmitis. Vet Radiol Ultrasound (2007) 48:78–85.
- Hinkle FE, Selberg KT, Frisbie DD, Barrett MF. Radiographic changes of the proximal third metatarsal bone do not predict presence or severity of proximal suspensory desmopathy in a predominately quarter horse population. Equine Vet J (2022) 55:24–32.
- Bischofberger AS, Konar M, Ohlerth S, Geyer H, Lang J, Ueltschi G. Magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and histology of the suspensory ligament origin: a comparative study of normal anatomy of warmblood horses. Equine Vet J (2006) 38:508–16.
- Schramme M, Josson A, Linder K. Characterization of the origin and body of the normal equine rear suspensory ligament using ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histology. Vet Radiol Ultrasound Off J Am Coll Vet Radiol Int Vet Radiol Assoc (2012) 53:318–28.
- Dyson SJ, Blunden A, Murray R. Magnetic resonance imaging, gross postmortem, and histological findings for soft tissues of the plantar aspect of the tarsus and proximal metatarsal region in non-lame horses. Vet Radiol Ultrasound (2017) 58:216–27.
- Butler J, Colles C, Dyson SJ, Kold SE, Poulos P. Clinical radiology of the horse. 4th ed. Chichester, Wrst Sussex, UK: Ames, Iowa: Jonh Wiley & Sons Ltd. (2017).
- Dyson SJ. Proximal suspensory desmitis: clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic features. Equine Vet J (1991) 23:25–31.
- Dyson SJ, Murray R. Management of hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy by neurectomy of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve and plantar fasciotomy: 155 horses (2003–2008). Equine Vet J (2012) 44:361–7.
- Johnson SA, Barrett MF, Frisbie DD. Additional palmaroproximal–palmarodistal oblique radiographic projections improve accuracy of detection and characterization of equine flexor cortical lysis. Vet Radiol Ultrasoun (2018) 59:387–95.
- Murray RC, Tranquille CA, Walker VA, Milmine RC, Bak L, Tacey JB. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in the proximal metacarpal region of 359 horses and proximal metatarsal region of 64 horses acquired under standing sedation. J Equine Vet (2020) 94:103268.
- Murray RC, Dyson SJ, Weekes JS, Branch MV, Hladick S. Nuclear Scintigraphic evaluation of the distal tarsal region in Normal horses. Vet Radiol Ultrasound (2004) 45:345–51.
- Benjamin M, Redman S, Milz S, Büttner A, Amin A, Moriggl B. Adipose tissue at entheses: the rheumatological implications of its distribution. A potential site of pain and stress dissipation?. Ann Rheum Dis (2004) 63:1549.
- Benjamin M, Kumai T, Milz S, Boszczyk BM, Boszczyk AA, Ralphs JR. The skeletal attachment of tendons—tendon entheses. Comp Biochem Physiology Part Mol Integr Physiology (2002) 133:931–45.
- Joostens Z, Garigliani M-M, Audigié F, Busoni V. Histological characterization of the proximal suspensory enthesis in the normal equine hindlimb. Proceedings of the 2022 EVDI Annual Meeting (2022) 17:163.
- Bolen G, Haye D, Dondelinger R, Busoni V. Magnetic resonance signal changes during time in equine limbs refrigerated at 4°C. Vet Radiol Ultrasoun (2010) 51:19–24.
- Bolen GE, Haye D, Dondelinger RF, Massart L, Busoni V. Impact of successive freezing-thawing cycles on 3-T magnetic resonance images of the digits of isolated equine limbs. Am J Vet Res (2011) 72:780–90.
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- van Veggel ECS, Vanderperren K, Selberg KT, Bergman HJ, Hoogelander B. 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) 2024 Jun 8;14(12).
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
