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The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed radiographic description of the nutrient foramen (NF) of the dorsal cortex of the proximal phalanx (Pl) which may aid the veterinary practitioner in identification of the NF and subsequently prevents misinterpretation of this radiographic finding. Medical records of 190 horses (116 Standardbreds, 64 Warmbloods and 10 Friesians) presented for standard radiographic screening were retrospectively reviewed. All four lateromedial radiographs of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints were evaluated for presence, localisation and trajectory of a dorsal NF by a registered radiologist and a surgical resident. In 27.5% (209/ 760) radiographs, a full-cortex NF was identified. The Standardbred-group represented the majority with 30% (138/ 464) diagnosed NF, followed by the Warmblood-group with 26% (66/256) NF and the Friesian-group with 13% (5/40) NF. Most NF had a unilateral distribution (62%). Fifty per cent of the NF entered the dorsal cortex at 47.4-59.2% of the total dorsal length of Pl. Four different trajectory types were noted; a sigmoid-shaped course (44%), a straight course (33%), a palmar/plantar-curved course (14%) and a dorsal-curved course (9%). The consistent entrance location of the NF into the dorsal cortex and medullary cavity, together with its typical trajectory aids the veterinary practitioner in distinguishing an NF from a pathologic fissure or fracture. Comparison with radiographs of the contralateral limb is unreliable as most NF are identified unilaterally.

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