Diagnostic Imaging Techniques in Equine Musculoskeletal Disorders
Summary
Equine musculoskeletal disorders encompass a wide array of tendon, ligament, joint and bone pathologies that underlie lameness and performance loss. Traditional radiography remains a first‐line tool for detecting fractures, subchondral bone changes and gross osteoarthritic changes. Ultrasonography provides real‐time assessment of soft tissue structures, especially flexor tendons, ligaments and joint capsules. Computed tomography (CT) and cone‐beam CT impart detailed cross‐sectional and three‐dimensional visualisation of bony architecture, enabling detection of fissures, osteochondral defects and articular surface irregularities. CT tenography, which involves intra‐thecal contrast injection, enhances visualisation of tendon sheaths and intrathecal structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), both low‐field and high‐field, offers superior soft tissue contrast for early detection of tendon degeneration, bone marrow oedema and cartilage defects. Advanced techniques such as MR arthrography and contrast‐enhanced MRI delineate active lesions from chronic changes. The advent of standing CT and standing low‐field MRI under sedation has minimised anaesthetic risk, shortened procedural time and broadened clinical access. Together, this multimodal imaging approach supports accurate diagnosis, guides therapeutic planning and informs prognosis across diverse equine populations worldwide.
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Diagnostic Imaging Techniques in Equine Musculoskeletal Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in diagnostic imaging techniques in equine musculoskeletal disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Ultrasonography: Imaging technique using high‐frequency sound waves to visualise soft tissues in real time.
Computed Tomography (CT): Cross‐sectional imaging modality employing X‐rays and computer reconstruction to depict bony and soft tissue structures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Non‐ionising imaging modality using magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to generate high‐contrast images of soft tissues and bone marrow.
Tenography: Contrast‐enhanced CT technique for detailed imaging of tendon sheaths and intrathecal structures.
Cone‐Beam CT (CBCT): CT variant using a cone‐shaped X‐ray beam and flat‐panel detector to acquire volumetric data in a single rotation, often in standing patients.
References
- Computed Tomographic Tenography of Normal Equine Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath: An Ex Vivo Study. Veterinary Medicine International (2015).
- Three-Dimensional Imaging and Histopathological Features of Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove Fissures in Thoroughbred Horses. Animals (2023).
- Computed tomographic evaluation of the distal limb in the standing sedated horse: Technique, imaging diagnoses, feasibility, and artifacts. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound (2022).
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