Visualization of anatomical structures in the carpal region of the horse using cone beam computed tomography in comparison with conventional multidetector computed tomography.
Abstract: In the diagnostics of orthopedic diseases in the horse, diagnostic imaging often plays a decisive role. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is used in both human and small animal medicine and becoming increasingly popular. To see whether CBCT imaging can be useful in the diagnosis of orthopedic diseases of the carpal region of the horse and to explore possible limitations we compared CBCT images with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images of the carpal region of equine cadaveric specimens. Unassigned: Twenty-eight forelimbs from fifteen horses, slaughtered for reasons unrelated to this study, were examined. Native and contrast enhanced CBCT and MDCT scans were performed. Anatomical structures were blindly evaluated by three independent experienced observers using a visual scoring system previously reported and adapted to the equine carpal region. A descriptive evaluation was carried out as well as Spearman's rank correlation and interobserver agreement was shown by percent agreement (PA). Unassigned: Visualization of osseous structures was excellent in both MDCT and CBCT. Articular cartilage could only be assessed in contrast enhanced scans whereby MDCT showed a slightly better visualization than CBCT. Soft tissue structures were generally difficult to assess. An exception were the medial and lateral palmar intercarpal ligament, which could not be visualized in native but were well visualized in contrast enhanced scans in both MDCT and CBCT images. Unassigned: For the evaluation of osseous structures and some intraarticular ligaments after contrast enhancement, CBCT serves as a reliable diagnostic imaging modality for the equine carpal region. However, soft tissue structures and cartilage are imaged more reliably using MDCT.
Copyright © 2024 Hagenbach, Bierau, Cruz, Koch, Manso-Díaz, Büttner, Staszyk and Röcken.
Publication Date: 2024-11-11 PubMed ID: 39588200PubMed Central: PMC11587357DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1431777Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research compared the effectiveness of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) with Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) in diagnosing orthopedic diseases in horses, focussing on the carpal region. The findings demonstrate that both modalities effectively visualize osseous structures, but MDCT provides slightly better imaging of soft tissues and cartilage.
Study Design and Methods
- The researchers used 28 forelimbs from 15 horses, which were euthanized for reasons not related to the study.
- CBCT and MDCT scans were performed on these specimens, both in their native state and after being enhanced with contrast material.
- Three independent observers assessed the anatomical structures by following a visual scoring system adapted specifically for the equine carpal region. This analysis was blind, meaning the observers did not know which type of scan they were evaluating to prevent bias.
- The team performed a descriptive evaluation of the results and used Spearman’s rank correlation to analyze the data. They also assessed interobserver agreement through Percent Agreement (PA).
Findings and Conclusions
- Both MDCT and CBCT scans were successful in visualizing equine osseous structures, the rigid, dense parts of the horse’s carpal region.
- Articular cartilage could only be assessed in contrast-enhanced scans, and MDCT offered slightly better visualization than CBCT.
- Soft tissue structures were challenging to assess using either method. However, the medial and lateral palmar intercarpal ligaments were noticeable exceptions, appearing well defined in contrast-enhanced CBCT and MDCT scans.
- The research concludes that CBCT is a reliable diagnostic imaging modality to evaluate osseous structures and some intraarticular ligaments in the equine carpal region after contrast enhancement. However, when it comes to imaging soft tissue structures and cartilage, MDCT provides a more reliable outcome.
Implications of the Study
- The study expands established knowledge about the use of CBCT and MDCT in diagnosing orthopedic conditions in horses.
- The results suggest that both imaging techniques can be effectively used in veterinary medicine, each with its own strengths, and highlights the importance of contrast enhancement in certain situations.
- Knowing when to apply CBCT or MDCT based on the specific requirements of the diagnosis could help improve treatment outcomes and enhance the quality of life of the animals.
Cite This Article
APA
Hagenbach M, Bierau J, Cruz AM, Koch C, Manso-Díaz G, Büttner K, Staszyk C, Röcken M.
(2024).
Visualization of anatomical structures in the carpal region of the horse using cone beam computed tomography in comparison with conventional multidetector computed tomography.
Front Vet Sci, 11, 1431777.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1431777 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopedics), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopedics), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopedics), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine (ISME), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- Institute of Veterinary-Anatomy, -Histology and -Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopedics), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
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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