Diagnostic value of computed tomography, radiography and ultrasonography in metacarpophalangeal joint disorders in horses

Abstract

In modern society the work and athletic performance of horses has led to a very important animal production sector in which Brazil possesses the third largest horse stock. Among all equine lesions described, metacarpophalangeal (fetlock) joint lesions are considered one of the main causes of lameness. Consequently, there is a need to improve the understanding and diagnosis of these injuries. The most efficient imaging diagnostic methods for the fetlock region are computed tomography, radiography and ultrasound. Imaging studies of the anatomical structures involving this joint are extremely important to obtain a more precise diagnose. The present study was performed in order to evaluate the capacity of different imaging diagnostic modalities to detect a variety of lesions in different fetlock structures. Twenty horses (Equus caballus) used for horsemanship activities were referred to the Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology of São Paulo State University, Botucatu campus, with clinical signs of metacarpophalangeal joint injuries. Horses were submitted to radiographic and ultrasonographic exam and computed tomography scan. Image analysis revealed a significant capacity of these methods to characterize lesions in this region. However, computed tomography provided broader and better evaluation of lesions in bones and adjacent structures, because it allows the analysis to be performed on three-dimensional projections, with attenuation coefficients (window selections) and tissue density measurement through Hounsfield Units (HU).Keywords: computed tomography, radiography, ultrasonography, metacarpophalangeal joint, horses RESUMO As atividades desempenhadas pelo cavalo na sociedade contemporânea são diversas, e o Brasil é portador do terceiro maior plantel mundial de equinos. Entre as várias afecções descritas em cavalos atletas, as lesões na articulação metacarpofalangeana (boleto) são consideradas as principais causas de claudicação. Por isso

Morphological, radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the one‐humped camel

“…The present study is the first study using 3D reconstruction CT imaging to the camel fetlock joint, a method useful in the evalua- (Stashak, 2006). However, computed tomography provided broader and better evaluation of lesions in bones and adjacent structures, because it allows the analysis to be performed on three-dimensional projections, with attenuation coefficients (window selections) and tissue density measurement (Machado, Aguiar, Viana, Crosignani, & Puoli Filho, 2016). The CT soft tissue and bone windows is an excellent imaging modality over the radiography and ultrasonography for bones and soft tissue differentiation, where it allows cross-sectional imaging without bone and soft tissue overlap, it is used for the diagnosis of feet abnormalities (Arencibia et al, 2000;El Nahas et al, 2015;Raji, Sardari, & Mohammadi, 2008).…”

Ultrasound and clinical findings in the metacarpophalangeal joint assessment of show jumping horses in training

“…However, the articular cartilage seems unable to completely recover from constant trauma resulting from exercise and can enter an inflammatory and degenerative cycle that culminates in clinical and progressive presentations of the disease [8,11,12]. Therefore, a combination of diagnostic tools is important for detecting and following up early changes [9,13]. Furthermore, diagnostic tools and evaluation protocols need to be standardized and validated, preferably through noninvasive and inexpensive methods [14,15].…”

The correlation between score-based protocol for equine joint assessment and subsequent arthroscopic intervention outcomes

“…Osteochondral lesions may be detected and evaluated in several manners, including physical examination, radiographic and sonographic assessment, synovial fluid analysis, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy. Detailed examination of the musculoskeletal system, including medical history, careful physical examination and imaging modalities is required to locate the injury and determine the site of pain and lameness (Davidson, 2018;McIlwraith et al, 2011;McIlwraith et al, 2012;Minshall, 2008;Souza, 2016) Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in joint disease identification and classification, and several complementary modalities may be combined for accurate diagnosis (Machado et al, 2016). Radiography is undeniably useful and practical but does not provide detailed imaging of soft tissues (Baccarin et al, 2012;Lawson et al, 2012).…”