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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(18); 2912; doi: 10.3390/ani13182912

Three-Dimensional Imaging and Histopathological Features of Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove Fissures in Thoroughbred Horses.

Abstract: Fissure in the third metacarpal/tarsal parasagittal groove and proximal phalanx sagittal groove is a potential prodromal pathology of fracture; therefore, early identification and characterisation of fissures using non-invasive imaging could be of clinical value. Thirty-three equine cadaver limbs underwent standing cone-beam (CB) computed tomography (CT), fan-beam (FB) CT, low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and macro/histo-pathological examination. Imaging diagnoses of fissures were compared to microscopic examination. Imaging features of fissures were described. Histopathological findings were scored and compared between locations with and without fissures on CT. Microscopic examination identified 114/291 locations with fissures. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 88.5% and 61.3% for CBCT, 84.1% and 72.3% for FBCT, and 43.6% and 85.2% for MRI. Four types of imaging features of fissures were characterised on CT: (1) CBCT/FBCT hypoattenuating linear defects, (2) CBCT/FBCT striated hypoattenuated lines, (3) CBCT/FBCT subchondral irregularity, and (4) CBCT striated hypoattenuating lines and FBCT subchondral irregularity. Fissures on MRI appeared as subchondral bone hypo-/hyperintense defects. Microscopic scores of subchondral bone sclerosis, microcracks, and collapse were significantly higher in locations with CT-identified fissures. All imaging modalities were able to identify fissures. Fissures identified on CT were associated with histopathology of fatigue injuries.
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Publication Date: 2023-09-14 PubMed ID: 37760312PubMed Central: PMC10525482DOI: 10.3390/ani13182912Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

The research examines the early detection and characterization of potential fractures in thoroughbred horses using non-invasive imaging techniques. Researchers used various imaging technologies and pathological examinations to study horses’ limbs, comparing the imaging diagnoses of fissures to microscopic examinations.

Research Methodology

  • The study used thirty-three equine cadaver limbs and applied different non-invasive imaging techniques, including standing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), fan-beam computed tomography (FBCT), and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • In addition, each limb underwent macro and histopathological examination to obtain a detailed account of the fissures.
  • The images’ diagnoses of the fissures were then compared to microscopic examinations to determine the accuracy and effectiveness of each imaging modality.

Results of the Research

  • The outcome indicated the presence of fissures in 114 out of 291 locations identified through microscopic examination.
  • Comparing the sensitivity and specificity of each imaging technique – the CBCT had a sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 61.3%, FBCT had a sensitivity of 84.1% and specificity of 72.3%, and MRI had a sensitivity of 43.6% and a specificity of 85.2%. Hence, it was shown that all imaging modalities were capable of identifying fissures.
  • The study detailed four distinctive imaging features of fissures characterised on CT: CBCT/FBCT hypoattenuating linear defects, CBCT/FBCT striated hypoattenuated lines, CBCT/FBCT subchondral irregularity, and CBCT striated hypoattenuating lines and FBCT subchondral irregularity.
  • On MRI, the fissures appeared as hypo-/hyperintense defects in the subchondral bone.

Histopathological Correlation and Conclusions

  • Microscopic scores of subchondral bone sclerosis, microcracks, and collapse were significantly higher in locations with CT-identified fissures, revealing a correlation between the imaging and histopathology results.
  • This indicates that fissures identified on CT were associated with histopathology of fatigue injuries, establishing the value of these non-invasive imaging methods in early detection and characterisation of potential fractures in thoroughbred horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Lin ST, Foote AK, Bolas NM, Peter VG, Pokora R, Patrick H, Sargan DR, Murray RC. (2023). Three-Dimensional Imaging and Histopathological Features of Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove Fissures in Thoroughbred Horses. Animals (Basel), 13(18), 2912. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13182912

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 18
PII: 2912

Researcher Affiliations

Lin, Szu-Ting
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd., Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
Foote, Alastair K
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd., Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
Bolas, Nicholas M
  • Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging, Unit 5 Bridge Park, Merrow Lane, Guildford GU4 7BF, UK.
Peter, Vanessa G
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd., Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
Pokora, Rachel
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd., Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
Patrick, Hayley
  • Swayne and Partners Veterinary Surgeons, Western Way, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3SP, UK.
Sargan, David R
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd., Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
Murray, Rachel C
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd., Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.

Grant Funding

  • SPrj53 / Horserace Betting Levy Board
  • Charles Slater Fund 2021, School of Biological Science / University of Cambridge
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine / University of Cambridge
  • Friends of the College Fund, Robinson College / University of Cambridge

Conflict of Interest Statement

N. Bolas is employed by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Nagy A, Boros K, Dyson S. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 40 Non-Lame Thoroughbred Yearlings.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Nov 9;13(22).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13223466pubmed: 38003084google scholar: lookup
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