A COMPARISON OF RADIOGRAPHY, COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY, AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PALMAR PROCESS FRACTURES IN FOALS |
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| Authors: | Andris J Kaneps DVM PhD Philip D Koblik DVM MS Dominique M Freeman PhD† Roy R Pool DVM PhD‡ Timothy R O'Brien DVM PhD |
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| Institution: | Veterinary Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Departments of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California, Davis;Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis;Bruker Instruments, Fremont, CA |
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| Abstract: | The relative sensitivity of radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging for detecting palmar process fractures of the distal phalanx in foals was determined and the imaging findings were compared with histomorphologic evaluations of the palmar processes. Compared to radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging did not improve the sensitivity for detection of palmar process fractures. Statistical agreement for palmar process fracture diagnosis was excellent among the three imaging modalities. Histomorphologic evaluations were more sensitive for diagnosis of palmar process fracture than any of the imaging modalities. Three-dimensional image reconstructions and volume measurements of distal phalanges and palmar process fracture fragments from computed tomography studies provided more complete anatomical information than radiography. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed that the deep digital flexor tendon insertion on the distal phalanx is immediately axial to the site where palmar process fractures occur, and differentiated cartilage, bone, and soft tissue structures of the hoof. |
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| Keywords: | radiography computed tomography magnetic resonance imaging distal phalanx fracture histomorphology horse |
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