A Radiographic Study of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint and Navicular Bursa of the Horse

Abstract

Radiographic contrast studies were used in 50 forelimbs from 13 live horses and 12 fresh adult cadavers to determine the frequency of communication between the navicular bursa and the distal interphalangeal joint. Injections of contrast medium were made into the dorsal aspect of the distal interphalangeal joint of one limb and into the navicular bursa of the other forelimb of each horse. In 25 limbs in which contrast medium was injected into the distal interphalangeal joint, no communication was demonstrated between the joint and the navicular bursa. In 20 of the 25 limbs in which injection was made into the navicular bursa, no communication between joint and bursa was seen. In five horses, contrast medium was visible in both the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa. However, in four of five horses the communication was clearly iatrogenic. In both limbs of one horse, contrast medium was seen to enter the digital flexor tendon sheath after injection into the navicular bursa. There is probably no naturally occurring communication between the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint in the horse.

Radiographic Diagnosis: Foreign Body in the Distal Interphalangeal Joint

“…Radiographic imaging is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of septic navicular bursitis 1 . When the nail or foreign body is found it should be left in place and a lateral and dorsopalmar radiograph taken to allow assessment of the depth and involvement of the foreign body relative to the navicular region 2 . Sinography (fistulography) can be used to demonstrate filling of the bursa and DIP joint with positive contrast medium and support a diagnosis of septic navicular bursitis 1 .…”

“…Enough contrast medium should be used to fill the fistula and associated tissue. The presence of contrast material within a synovial structure is definitive evidence of penetration, and sepsis should be treated aggressively 1–4 …”

Distal interphalangeal joint lameness in a horse associated with damage to the insertion of the lateral collateral ligament

“…Contrast arthrography of the DIJ has been reported (Gibson et al 1990) including the use of a dorsopalmar projection (Saber and Bolbol 1986). The presence of a lateral or medial pouch between the insertion of the collateral ligaments and the collateral cartilages are not noted in either publication.…”

Diagnostic endoscopy of the navicular bursa using a needle endoscope by direct or transthecal approach: A comparative cadaver study

“…Several studies have investigated the potential communication between the navicular bursa and the DIPJ . Although diffusion of triamcinolone and mepivacaine occurs, open communication has never been detected .…”