Three-Dimensional Segmentation and in silico Comparison of Equine Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Pathology in Horses Undergoing Repeated MRI Examination.
Abstract: The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has led to increased clinical and research applications using 3D segmentation and reconstructed volumetric data in musculoskeletal imaging. Lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) are a common pathology in horses undergoing MRI. Three-dimensional MRI reconstruction performed for volumetric tendon analysis in horses has not previously been documented. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to evaluate the 3D segmentation of horses undergoing repeated MRI at several time points and to perform an analysis of the segmented DDFTs across time. MRI DICOM files were acquired from six horses undergoing repeated MRI examination of the foot for DDFT injury. Once segmented, volumetric tendon surface tessellation language (STL) files were created. Thickness and volumetric data were acquired for each tendon in addition to a tendon comparison across timepoints within each horse. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated for comparison of MRI reports to computer analysis. There was a significant and positive correlation between MRI and medial record reports of clinical improvement or deterioration and computer analysis ( = 0.56, = 0.01). The lower end range limit for tendon thickness varied between 0.16 and 1.74 mm. The upper end range limit for DDFT thickness varied between 4.6 and 23.6 mm. During tendon part comparison, changes in DDFT were reported between -3.0 and + 14.3 mm. Changes in DDFT size were non-uniform and demonstrated fluctuations throughout the tendon. The study was successful in establishing the volumetric appearance and thickness of the DDFT as it courses in the foot and tracking this over time. We encountered difficulties in accurate segmentation of the distal insertion of the DDFT as it blends with the distal phalanx. The data demonstrated that the DDFT can be segmented and volumetric studies based on size and shape can be performed using an approach.
Copyright © 2021 Trolinger-Meadows, Biedrzycki, He and Werpy.
Publication Date: 2021-10-21 PubMed ID: 34746274PubMed Central: PMC8566955DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.706046Google 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 focuses on the use of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique, called 3D segmentation, in studying equine Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT) pathology, to understand the changes in the tendon’s thickness and volume over time in horses undergoing repeated MRI examinations.
Objective of the Research
- The primary aim of this proof-of-concept study was to apply the 3D segmentation technique in horses undergoing repeated MRI examinations at different time intervals.
- The research further attempted to carry out an analysis of the segmented DDFTs changes over time.
Research Methodology
- The research utilized MRI DICOM files from six horses that were repeatedly examined for DDFT injury.
- The researchers segmented these images, creating volumetric tendon surface tessellation language (STL) files to measure and compare the thickness and volume of each tendon across time points within each horse.
Findings and Correlations
- A significant and positive correlation was found between MRI records and medial record reports of clinical improvement or deterioration, and the computer-based analysis.
- While there was a substantial variation in the tendons’ thickness range, the research was successful in tracking changes in the DDFT’s volume and thickness over time, providing insights into the non-uniform fluctuations throughout the tendon.
- In comparing different sections of the tendon, changes in the DDFT ranged between -3.0 and + 14.3 mm.
Challenges and Conclusion
- The research encountered difficulties in accurately segmenting the distal insertion of the DDFT as it fuses with the distal phalanx.
- Despite this, the study affirmed that the DDFT could be segmented, and volumetric studies based on size and shape could be carried out using this approach.
Cite This Article
APA
Trolinger-Meadows KD, Biedrzycki AH, He H, Werpy N.
(2021).
Three-Dimensional Segmentation and in silico Comparison of Equine Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Pathology in Horses Undergoing Repeated MRI Examination.
Front Vet Sci, 8, 706046.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.706046 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
- Equine Diagnostic Imaging, Inc., Archer, FL, United States.
Conflict of Interest Statement
NW is employed by Equine Diagnostic Imaging, Inc. The remaining 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 27 references
- Dyson S, Murray R. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of 264 horses with foot pain: the podotrochlear apparatus, deep digital flexor tendon and collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint.. Equine Vet J 2007 Jul;39(4):340-3.
- Murray RC, Roberts BL, Schramme MC, Dyson SJ, Branch M. Quantitative evaluation of equine deep digital flexor tendon morphology using magnetic resonance imaging.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2004 Mar-Apr;45(2):103-11.
- Smith RK, Jones R, Webbon PM. The cross-sectional areas of normal equine digital flexor tendons determined ultrasonographically.. Equine Vet J 1994 Nov;26(6):460-5.
- Rantanen NW, Jorgensen JS, Genovese RL. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the equine limb: technique.. In: Ross MW, Dyson SJ. editors. Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; (2003). p. 166–88.
- Poon M, Hamarneh G, Abugharbieh R. Efficient interactive 3D Livewire segmentation of complex objects with arbitrary topology.. Comput Med Imaging Graph 2008 Dec;32(8):639-50.
- Yokota F, Otake Y, Takao M, Ogawa T, Okada T, Sugano N, Sato Y. Automated muscle segmentation from CT images of the hip and thigh using a hierarchical multi-atlas method.. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2018 Jul;13(7):977-986.
- Lee LK, Liew SC, Thong WJ. A review of image segmentation methodologies in medical image.. In: Sulaiman H, Othman M, Othman M, Rahim Y, Pee N. editors. Advanced Computer and Communication Engineering Technology. Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, vol 315. Cham: Springer; (2015). p. 1069–80.
- Horowitz AL. Matrix size and the field of view.. In: MRI Physics for Radiologists. New York, NY: Springer; (1995).
- Goldman LW. Principles of CT and CT technology.. J Nucl Med Technol 2007 Sep;35(3):115-28; quiz 129-30.
- Liu Y, Li R, Fan Y, Antonijevic D, Milenkovic P, Li Z. The influence of anisotropic voxel caused by field of view setting on the accuracy of three-dimensional reconstruction of bone geometric models.. AIP Adv (2018) 8:085111.
- Glaser C, D'Anastasi M, Theisen D, Notohamiprodjo M, Horger W, Paul D, Horng A. Understanding 3D TSE Sequences: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Application in MSK Imaging.. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2015 Sep;19(4):321-7.
- Naraghi A, White LM. Three-dimensional MRI of the musculoskeletal system.. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2012 Sep;199(3):W283-93.
- Chaudhari AM, Zelman EA, Flanigan DC, Kaeding CC, Nagaraja HN. Anterior cruciate ligament-injured subjects have smaller anterior cruciate ligaments than matched controls: a magnetic resonance imaging study.. Am J Sports Med 2009 Jul;37(7):1282-7.
- Myrick KM, Voss A, Feinn RS, Martin T, Mele BM, Garbalosa JC. Effects of season long participation on ACL volume in female intercollegiate soccer athletes.. J Exp Orthop 2019 Mar 28;6(1):12.
- Martinelli MJ, Kuriashkin IV, Carragher BO, Clarkson RB, Baker GJ. Magnetic resonance imaging of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint: three-dimensional reconstruction and anatomic analysis.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 1997 May-Jun;38(3):193-9.
- Smith AJ, Felstead CW, Lawson JS, Weller R. An innovative technique for displaying three dimensional radiographic anatomy of synovial structures in the equine distal limb.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2009 Nov-Dec;50(6):589-94.
- Zarucco L, Wisner ER, Swanstrom MD, Stover SM. Image fusion of computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images for the development of a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the equine forelimb.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2006 Oct-Nov;47(6):553-62.
- Biedrzycki AH, Kistler HC, Perez-Jimenez EE, Morton AJ. Use of Hausdorff Distance and Computer Modelling to Evaluate Virtual Surgical Plans with Three-Dimensional Printed Guides against Freehand Techniques for Navicular Bone Repair in Equine Orthopaedics.. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2021 Jan;34(1):9-16.
- Dyson S. The deep digital flexor tendon.. In: Ross MW, Dyson SJ. editors. Diagnosis and Management of Lameness in the Horse. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; (2003). p. 726–7.
- Bolen G, Audigié F, Spriet M, Vandenberghe F, Busoni V. Qualitative comparison of 0.27 T, 1.5 T, and 3T magnetic resonance images of the normal equine foot.. J Equine Vet Sci (2010) 30:9–20.
- Hagen J, Kojah K, Geiger M, Vogel M. Immediate effects of an artificial change in hoof angulation on the dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint angle and cross-sectional areas of both flexor tendons.. Vet Rec 2018 Jun 16;182(24):692.
- Willemen MA, Savelberg HH, Barneveld A. The effect of orthopaedic shoeing on the force exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon on the navicular bone in horses.. Equine Vet J 1999 Jan;31(1):25-30.
- Lawson SE, Chateau H, Pourcelot P, Denoix JM, Crevier-Denoix N. Effect of toe and heel elevation on calculated tendon strains in the horse and the influence of the proximal interphalangeal joint.. J Anat 2007 May;210(5):583-91.
- Busoni V, Snaps F. Effect of deep digital flexor tendon orientation on magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity in isolated equine limbs-the magic angle effect.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2002 Sep-Oct;43(5):428-30.
- Spriet M, McKnight A. Characterization of the magic angle effect in the equine deep digital flexor tendon using a low-field magnetic resonance system.. Vet Radiol Ultrasound 2009 Jan-Feb;50(1):32-6.
- van Hamel SE, Bergman HJ, Puchalski SM, de Groot MW, van Weeren PR. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic evaluation of the deep digital flexor tendon in the equine foot compared to macroscopic and histological findings in 23 limbs.. Equine Vet J 2014 May;46(3):300-5.
- Blunden A, Dyson S, Murray R, Schramme M. Histopathology in horses with chronic palmar foot pain and age-matched controls. Part 2: The deep digital flexor tendon.. Equine Vet J 2006 Jan;38(1):23-7.
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.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
