In the horse, the phalanges are the second most common location for the occurrence of osseous cyst-like lesions (OCLLs) after the medial femoral condyle of the stifle. Phalangeal OCLLs occur in a variety of locations, most of which are adjacent to, if not communicating with, a joint. The aetiology of these lesions is considered to be multifactorial by most authors. Horses with OCLLs demonstrate lameness of varying severity. Diagnostic analgesia should be used to localise the lameness. After localisation of the lameness, standard radiographic views of the isolated area should be performed.
Bone
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Journal: Veterinary Surgery
Objective: To determine the effect of core decompression surgery and bone mineral density (BMD) on the mechanical properties of equine navicular bones.
Study Design: Experimental, in vitro study.
Sample Population: Fore limb navicular bones (n=36 pairs) from sound 2–5-year-old horses with no radiographic abnormalities of the distal aspect of the forelimbs.
Journal: American Journal of Veterinary Research
Objective—To determine whether histopathologic characteristics of the osteochondral units of equine distal tarsal joints were associated with exercise history in horses without lameness. Sample Population—30 cadaver tarsi from horses without lameness and with known exercise history were separated into 3 groups: nonridden, pasture exercise (group P); low-intensity, ridden exercise (group L); and high-intensity, elite competition exercise (group E). Procedures—Standardized sites from the centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints under went histologic preparation.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Accurate radiological interpretation of a navicular bone requires at least a true lateromedial (LM) image, dorsoproximal-palmarodistal oblique (DPr-PaDiO) and palmaroproximal-palmarodistal oblique (PaPr-PaDIO) images. Additional information is sometimes acquired from a weightbearing dorsopalmar (DPa) image. The LM image is used to assess thickness of the palmar cortex, proximal or distal extension of the palmar cortex, demarcation between the cortex and spongiosa and the presence of periarticular osteophytes.
Category: Bone - Equine - Radiography
Journal: Veterinary Surgery
Objective: To describe the diagnosis and treatment of fractures of the deltoid tuberosity. Study Design: Case series. Methods: Medical records (1992–2009) of 19 horses with radiographic confirmation of deltoid tuberosity fractures were reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, clinical and diagnostic imaging findings, and treatment. Outcome was determined by telephone questionnaire of owners and referring veterinarians. Results: Most horses were markedly lame on admission and 53% had reduced protraction of the affected limb.
Category: Bone - Equine - Internal Fixation - Traumatology
Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal
Reasons for performing study: There are no data concerning the accuracy of conventional and computed or digital radiography for evaluation of the equine foot.
Objectives: To compare conventional film-screen and computed radiography with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of distal border fragments of the navicular bone; and to establish which type of fragment was more likely to be detected radiologically.
Category: Bone - Comparative Study - Equine - MRI - Radiography
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
This report describes and evaluates the use of a single-positional absorbable screw (Smart Screw)1 as a temporary transphyseal bridge of the lateral aspect of the distal metacarpus in 6 foals with fetlock varus deformities. Using radiographic and visual assessments, an improvement in the severity of the deviation was identified in all cases. There were no complications encountered during screw placement or post operatively.
Category: Bone - Equine - Internal Fixation
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
A total hip arthroplasty was performed in a small equine patient with a history of traumatic subluxation of the coxofemoral joint during infancy resulting in severe degenerative changes to the femoral head and acetabulum. The transtrochanteric surgical approach used to expose the joint, as well as the technique and technology to replace the joint, is described. The patient was weightbearing within 24 h of surgery and walking successfully without sling support 4 days post operatively.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
A 14-year-old Arabian gelding was examined for a mass on the lateral aspect of the left tarsus and proximal lateral metatarsus. Radiography revealed a predominately osteolytic lesion involving the fourth tarsal bone and the proximal third and fourth metatarsal bone. Results of histopathological examination of the mass prior to surgery were consistent with an undifferentiated sarcoma. The mass was surgically excised and the remaining bone defect treated with absorbable beads containing cisplatin.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
An 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was presented for lameness investigation following acute onset hindlimb lameness, which developed during a period of paddock turnout. Clinical examination revealed a swelling over the dorsolateral aspect of the pastern that was painful on digital palpation. Radiography of this area was consistent with an aggressive bone lesion involving both joint surfaces of the middle phalanx with pathological fracture and distal collapse of this bone. On this basis, the horse was subjected to euthanasia.