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Updated: Jul 5, 2025
Contrast Enhanced Vessel Imaging using MicroCT
Published on: January 27, 2011
Visualization of anatomical structures in the fetlock region of the horse using cone beam computed tomography in
Jonathan Bierau1, Antonio M Cruz1, Christoph Koch2
1Equine Clinic (Surgery, Orthopedics), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
Insights
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers comparable diagnostic quality to multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for equine fetlock bone evaluation. However, MDCT excels in soft tissue imaging, while both methods require contrast for cartilage visualization.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Equine Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a promising alternative to conventional computed tomography (CT) in veterinary medicine.
- Evaluating the diagnostic quality of CBCT for equine anatomical structures is crucial for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the visibility and accessibility of equine fetlock anatomical structures using CBCT versus conventional multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).
Main Methods:
- Twenty-nine equine limbs underwent native and contrast-enhanced CBCT and MDCT of the fetlock joint.
- Three independent observers blindly scored the visibility and accessibility of selected anatomical structures.
Main Results:
- Minor differences in diagnostic image quality were found for osseous structures between CBCT and MDCT.
- MDCT provided superior evaluation of soft tissue structures compared to CBCT.
- Articular cartilage visualization in both modalities required intraarticular contrast medium.
Conclusions:
- CBCT is a reliable tool for evaluating equine fetlock osseous structures and visualizing articular cartilage with contrast.
- CBCT's utility is limited in the assessment of soft tissue structures in the equine fetlock.
Introduction:
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is regarded as a convenient and suitable alternative to conventional computed tomography. However, in the horse, the quality of obtained data sets needs to be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the visibility and accessibility of clinically relevant anatomical structures displayed in CBCT and conventional multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).
Materials And Methods:
Twenty-nine limbs from horses euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study were used. Native and intraarticular contrast scans of the fetlock (CBCT vs. MDCT) were performed. The visibility and accessibility of selected anatomical structures were blindly scored by three independent experienced observers using a scoring system previously reported and adapted to the fetlock joint.
Results:
Only minor differences between CBCT and MDCT were identified concerning the diagnostic quality of images for osseous structures. Soft tissue structures were better evaluated on MDCT images. In CBCT as well as in MDCT articular cartilage could only be visualized after intraarticular injection of contrast medium.
Discussion/Conclusion:
Cone beam computed tomography of the fetlock is a useful and reliable diagnostic tool when evaluating osseous structures and delineating articular cartilage with contrast medium. However, this modality is limited for assessing soft tissues structures.
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