Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Proximal Metacarpal and Metatarsal Injuries in the Horse

Abstract

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging abnormalities in horses with lameness localized to the proximal metacarpal or metatarsal region have not been described. To accomplish that, the medical records of 45 horses evaluated with MR imaging that had lameness localized to either the proximal metacarpal or metatarsal region were reviewed. Abnormalities observed in the proximal suspensory ligament or the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon included abnormal high signal, enlargement, or alteration in shape. Twenty-three horses had proximal suspensory ligament desmitis (13 hindlimb, 10 forelimb). Sixteen horses had desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. One horse had desmitis of the proximal suspensory ligament and the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon on the same limb and one horse had desmitis of the proximal suspensory ligament on one forelimb and desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon on the other forelimb. Four horses did not have abnormalities in the proximal suspensory ligament or accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon. Eighty percent of horses with forelimb proximal suspensory ligament desmitis and 69% of horses with hindlimb proximal suspensory ligament desmitis returned to their intended use. Sixty-three percent of horses with desmitis of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon were able to return to their intended use. MR imaging is a valuable diagnostic modality that allows diagnosis of injury in horses with lameness localized to the proximal metacarpal and metatarsal regions. The ability to accurately diagnose the source of lameness is important in selecting treatment that will maximize the chance to return to performance.

Anatomical transverse magnetic resonance imaging study of ligaments in palmar surface of metacarpus in Miniature donkey: identification of a new ligament

“…We used low field system in this study and found this new ligament. Our MRI findings about suspensory ligament, SDFT, DDFT and accessory ligament of DDFT were similar to previous researchers' findings in the horse [3,5,13,14,22].…”

Lameness originating from the proximal metacarpus/tarsus: A review of local analgesic techniques and clinical diagnostic findings

“…Perineural infiltration of the DBLPN is not specific for diagnosis of PSD or for diagnosis of proximal plantar metatarsal pain, and alternate sources of proximal palmar metacarpal or plantar metatarsal pain have been described in addition to PSD (Brokken et al . ; Labens et al . ), These include neuropathy of the DBLPN, osseous injury at the origin of the suspensory ligament, avulsion at the origin of the suspensory ligament (Bramlage et al .…”

Evaluation of experimentally induced injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses by use of low-field magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography

“…In horses, MRI is now considered the criterion-referenced standard for detection of injuries in tendons 6,9 and ligaments. [10][11][12] In horses, MRI provides a promising alternative imaging modality to ultrasonography for the evaluation of pathological changes in tendons. The fibrous nature and low water content of equine tendons result in a low signal intensity in the primary diagnostic MRI sequences.…”