Ultrasonography of the Equine Bicipital Tendon Region: A Case History Report and Review of Anatomy

Abstract

The equine shoulder region is difficult to investigate by conventional imaging modalities. Diagnostic ultrasound has proven valuable for investigation of soft tissue injuries of the human shoulder. In a horse with shoulder lameness, the authors employed diagnostic ultrasound to augment the use of conventional radiography. A defect in the subchondral bone layer of the medial humeral tuberosity, with adjacent bony fragments were clearly identified with ultrasound. Ultrasound was used for initial evaluation of the bicipital tendon and bursa. The technique was subsequently used to follow and evaluate the post‐operative condition of the proximal cranial humerus, bicipital tendon and bursa in this patient. The bicipital regions of 2 immature and 3 adult normal horses were also examined with to illustrate the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the cranial shoulder region.

Diagnosis, Management, and Outcome in 19 Horses with Deltoid Tuberosity Fractures

“…Inflammation of the bursa would be expected to create synovial fluid effusion and evidence of synovial flare but this was not observed, despite most fractures being examined >24 hours after injury. This finding suggests that most fractures lie within the tuberosity and that the bicipital bursa does not communicate with the proximal extent of the tuberosity, as has been reported previously 4 . The deltoid tuberosity has a thin proximal edge before it widens substantially and merges with the humerus.…”

Development of a Novel Medial Synoviocentesis Approach to the Bicipital Bursa in an Equine Cadaver Model

“…A similar manipulation of the shoulder joint might also prove beneficial for the medial approach. Furthermore, studies have shown better accuracy when performing injections of the bicipital bursa using ultrasound guidance; therefore, further research using the medial approach under ultrasound guidance may be of benefit.…”

Infraspinatus and intertubercular (bicipital) bursae sepsis

“…Ultrasound augments radiography allowing evaluation of the contour of 'flexor surface' humeral tubercules and the integrity of the overlying bicipital tendon (Pugh et al 1994). Ultrasound has …”