Relative Echogenicity of Tendons and Ligaments of the Palmar Metacarpal Region in Foals from Birth to 4 Months of Age: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate relative echogenicity of superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon and interosseous muscle of the metacarpal region in foals ages 1 week to 4 months; and assess the association between echogenicity and sex or side/laterality. Seven Standardbred trotter foals were examined. Right and left metacarpal regions (palmar surface) were ultrasonographically investigated, and four regions of interest were assessed. A significant increase in echogenicity was seen in superficial and deep digital flexor tendons, accessory ligament of deep digital flexor tendon, and interosseous muscle during growth from 1 week to 4 months of age. Echogenicity of examined tendons and ligaments was not influenced by gender nor laterality. Reference values for tendon and ligament echogenicity could function as a tool to discriminate between physiological and abnormal conditions such as congenital contractural conditions.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of cross-sectional area of tarsal ligaments in Standardbred Trotter Horses

“…Moreover, as observed in our horses, several studies proved that differences between the right and left limbs of adult horses and foals for quantitative ultrasound parameters were not statistically significant (Gillis et al 1995a;Agut et al 2009;Spinella et al 2015Spinella et al , 2016. Therefore, the variable laterality has been currently discarded in equine studies (Birch et al 1999).…”

“…superficial and deep digital flexor tendons) have proven to be an useful method for non-invasive tendon assessment (Smith et al 1994;Gillis et al 1995a;Pickersgill et al 2001;Perkins et al 2004;Agut et al 2009;Raes et al 2010;Korosue et al 2015). Quantitative ultrasound parameters had increased their application in equine clinical practice, and CSA analysis has become an useful technique for non-invasive assessments of tendons and ligaments, even if inter-breed variations have been proven Gillis et al 1995b;Agut et al 2009;Vilar et al 2011;Korosue et al 2015;Spinella et al 2015Spinella et al , 2016. The technical features (advantages and limitations) of linear or sector ultrasound probes were well known (Reef 1998;Agut et al 2009).…”

“…Echogenic evaluations of equine tendon and ligament texture and size have been described in order to recognize disorders in both adult horses and foals, particularly within the palmar metacarpal regions (Biller and Myer 1989;Chhem et al 1994;Smith et al 1994;Gillis et al 1997;Reef et al 2004;Agut et al 2009;Korosue et al 2015;Spinella et al 2015;El-Shafaey et al 2016;Spinella et al 2016). Likewise, ultrasound investigations of tendon and ligament aspects within the tarsal region have been previously reported (Ruohoniemi 1993;Santschi et al 1993;Tomlison et al 2000;Reef et al 2004;Raes et al 2010;Vilar et al 2011).…”

Non‐Invasive Ultrasound Quantification of Scar Tissue Volume Identifies Early Functional Changes During Tendon Healing

“…Echogenicity was quantified in a rectangular region of interest in the middle of the scar tissue from greyscale images using NIH ImageJ software (Bethesda, MD). Each pixel had a gray scale value between 0 and 255 (0 = black, 255 = white), and the average intensity (echogenicity) of the ROI was calculated for each specimen …”

“…Each pixel had a gray scale value between 0 and 255 (0 = black, 255 = white), and the average intensity (echogenicity) of the ROI was calculated for each specimen. 10,11 The same cohort of mice (n = 9) underwent US imaging at 7, 14, 20, and 28 days post-surgery, followed by assessment of gliding function and mechanical properties at day 28 ( Fig. 1A).…”