Correlation between anatomic features and low-field magnetic resonance imaging of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint.

OBJECTIVE

To expand our current knowledge and to establish limits of correlation between signal intensities of the magnetic resonance (MR) image and actual macroscopic and microscopic anatomic features of the imaged structures of the equine metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ).

SAMPLE POPULATION

The right MCPJ was obtained from 4 adult horses that were euthanatized for reasons unrelated to the musculoskeletal system.

PROCEDURE

The distal portion of the right forelimbs was collected from 4 equine cadavers. The bones were drilled to provide fixed reference points and examined by MR imaging. After imaging, the joints were sectioned for gross and histologic inspection. The MR images were aligned and correlated with digitized gross and histologic images to identify tissue types.

RESULTS

Comparison of the images resulted in identification of different bone types, articular cartilage, and soft tissue structures of the equine MCPJ.

CONCLUSION

Results provided relevant information regarding the appearance of the imaged tissues of the equine MCPJ.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Although MR imaging does not have current clinical applications for equine practitioners, its wide acceptance as the imaging modality used for most human musculoskeletal derangements may aid in developing more realistic applications in equine medicine.