Ultrasonography of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament in the Thoroughbred: technique and normal appearance.
Abstract: Tearing of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament (MPICL) has been recognised as a cause of lameness in the Thoroughbred, but diagnosis is difficult due to the nonspecific clinical signs, and can be achieved only by performing arthroscopy on the mid carpal joint (MCJ). It would be beneficial to be able to image the MPICL using ultrasonography to determine whether pathology is present in the ligament in order to aid diagnosis and prognosis. Objective: To determine whether the MPICL could be imaged using ultrasound from the dorsal aspect of the MCJ, and to describe the technique and normal ultrasonographic appearance of the ligament. Methods: A pilot study was performed using 2 cadaver carpi. Each carpus in turn had the MPICL imaged simultaneously using arthroscopy and ultrasound, with a metallic probe positioned on the dorsal aspect of the ligament to highlight the position of the MPICL. Six further pairs of carpi had the MPICL imaged ultrasonographically followed by dissection of the carpus to evaluate the ligament and relate its anatomy to the ultrasound images. Finally, 15 Thoroughbreds with no history of lameness isolated to the carpus had their MPICLs assessed and measured ultrasonographically. Results: The MPICL could be imaged via the dorsal aspect of the MCJ using standard ultrasound equipment. The body and division into medial and lateral branches could be seen as a distinct, moderately dense granular echogenic structure in the palmar aspect of the joint, with clearly defined margins. Conclusions: The normal MPICL can be imaged reliably using ultrasound in the Thoroughbred from the dorsal aspect of the MCJ. There is a wide range in the normal width of the lateral aspect of the MPICL, but there is good symmetry between contralateral limbs. Conclusions: This report of the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the ligament will be beneficial in acting as a reference for the detection of pathology using ultrasound.
Publication Date: 2004-07-16 PubMed ID: 15253080DOI: 10.2746/0425164044868459Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research focusses on analyzing the use of ultrasonography as a non-invasive method to image the Medial Palmar Intercarpal Ligament (MPICL) in the Thoroughbred horses which might aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of lameness.
Research Objective
The primary aim of this research was to determine if the MPICL in Thoroughbred horses could be imaged using ultrasonography from the dorsal aspect of the mid-carpal joint (MCJ). The study also sought to describe the technique used and the normal appearance of the ligament under ultrasonography.
Research Methods
- The study began as a pilot study involving two cadaver carpi. In this initial phase, arthroscopy and ultrasound were applied simultaneously to each carpus, with a metallic probe specifically placed on the dorsal aspect of the ligament to highlight the position of MPICL.
- The next stage included the ultrasonographic imaging of MPICL in six pairs of carpi, followed by the dissection of the carpus to physically evaluate the ligament and understand its anatomy in relation to the ultrasound images.
- In the final stage, MPICLs of 15 Thoroughbred horses with no history of lameness specifically related to the carpus were assessed and measured using ultrasonography.
Research Findings
- The findings confirmed that the MPICL could be imaged using standard ultrasound equipment via the dorsal aspect of the MCJ.
- The ligament, including its body and its medial and lateral branches, appeared as a distinct, moderately dense granular echogenic structure at the palmar aspect of the joint, with clearly defined margins.
Conclusions
- The research confirmed that normal MPICL can be reliably imaged in Thoroughbred horses using ultrasound from the dorsal aspect of the MCJ.
- The study also revealed a wide range in the normal width of the lateral aspect of the MPICL, although there was good symmetry observed between contralateral limbs.
- The study concluded that the knowledge and findings on the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the MPICL could serve as a crucial reference for detecting pathologies using ultrasound in the future.
Cite This Article
APA
Driver AJ, Barr FJ, Fuller CJ, Barr AR.
(2004).
Ultrasonography of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament in the Thoroughbred: technique and normal appearance.
Equine Vet J, 36(5), 402-408.
https://doi.org/10.2746/0425164044868459 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Companion Animals, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthroscopy / veterinary
- Cadaver
- Carpus, Animal / anatomy & histology
- Carpus, Animal / diagnostic imaging
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
- Lameness, Animal / diagnostic imaging
- Ligaments / anatomy & histology
- Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
- Male
- Pilot Projects
- Prognosis
- Reference Values
- Ultrasonography
Citations
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