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Evaluation of computed tomographic anatomy of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint
Katrien Vanderperren1, Benoit Ghaye, Frédéric R Snaps
1Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) provides detailed anatomy of the equine metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint, aiding diagnosis when other imaging is inconclusive. This study offers reference images for equine MCP joint CT analysis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Anatomy
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Equine Medicine
Background:
- The metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in horses is crucial for locomotion.
- Accurate anatomical visualization is essential for diagnosing joint pathologies.
- Computed tomography (CT) offers high-resolution imaging for detailed anatomical assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the detailed computed tomography (CT) anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in healthy horses.
- To establish a reference for CT interpretation of the equine MCP joint.
Main Methods:
- CT scans were performed on 10 cadaveric equine forelimbs.
- High-resolution transverse slices (1 mm) were acquired, with sagittal and dorsal reformats (2 mm).
- CT images were correlated with anatomical slices for comprehensive analysis, including contrast-enhanced imaging.
Main Results:
- Detailed visualization of the third metacarpal bone, proximal sesamoid bones, and proximal phalanx.
- Identification of numerous tendons, ligaments (including suspensory ligament branches and collateral ligaments), and the joint capsule.
- Assessment of metacarpophalangeal joint cartilage was possible with contrast enhancement.
Conclusions:
- CT imaging of the equine MCP joint is valuable for diagnosis, especially when radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive.
- The generated images serve as a reference standard for equine MCP joint CT.
- CT enhances the diagnostic capabilities for equine forelimb lameness.
Objective:
To determine the detailed computed tomography (CT) anatomy of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in healthy horses.
Sample Population:
10 cadaveric forelimbs from 10 adult horses without orthopedic disease.
Procedures:
CT of the MCP joint was performed on 4 forelimbs. In 1 of the limbs, CT was also performed after intra-articular injection of 30 mL of contrast medium (40 mg of iodine/mL). Transverse slices 1-mm thick were obtained, and sagittal and dorsal planes were reformatted with a slice thickness of 2 mm. The CT images were matched with corresponding anatomic slices from 6 additional forelimbs.
Results:
The third metacarpal bone, proximal sesamoid bones, and proximal phalanx could be clearly visualized. Common digital extensor tendon; accessory digital extensor tendon; lateral digital extensor tendon; superficial digital flexor tendon (including manica flexoria); deep digital flexor tendon; branches of the suspensory ligament (including its attachment); extensor branches of the suspensory ligament; collateral ligaments; straight, oblique, and cruciate distal sesamoidean ligaments; intersesamoidean ligament; annular ligament; and joint capsule could be seen. Collateral sesamoidean ligaments and short distal sesamoidean ligaments could be localized but not at all times clearly identified, whereas the metacarpointersesamoidean ligament could not be identified. The cartilage of the MCP joint could be assessed on the postcontrast sequence.
Conclusions And Clinical Relevance:
CT of the equine MCP joint can be of great value when results of radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive. Images obtained in this study may serve as reference for CT of the equine MCP joint.
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