[The diagnostic value of the 'skyline' view for the radiographic study of the navicular bone in horses].

The radiographic diagnostic value of Rose's palmaroproximal-dorsodistal ('skyline') projection and Oxspring's dorsopalmar projection of the equine navicular bone were compared, by examining radiographs of 102 navicular bones originating from 66 randomly selected horses with clinical evidence of lameness located in the navicular area. In 27 navicular bones essential information was obtained from the skyline view, 15 independently of Oxspring's projection and 12 in addition to this view. For 11 navicular studies the D.P. projection was the most important diagnostic view. In the other 64 navicular bones information obtained from both views was of equal diagnostic value. Based on these results it is suggested that the skyline projection be utilised as an additional view, especially if there is a significant discrepancy between the clinical and radiographic findings based on lateromedial and Oxspring projections, and if ill-defined lesions of unknown significance are visible on the Oxspring projection.