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
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Summary
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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.
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