equis - Articles
Forelimb: radiography
Contributor(s) :
- Introduction
- Requirements
- Preparation
- Technique
- Aftercare
- Outcomes
- Further Reading
Introduction
Radiography allows assessment of both osseous and soft tissue structures of the forelimb Radiography: overview.
- See Carpus: radiology Carpus: radiology, Elbow: radiology Elbow: radiology, Metacarpus/metatarsus: radiology Metacarpus / metatarsus: radiology and Shoulder: radiology Shoulder: radiology for interpretation.
Uses
- To evaluate osseous and soft tissue structures of the forelimb.
- Part of diagnostic work-up of lameness cases.
- Part of some pre-purchase evaluations.
- To monitor recovery from injury or progression of lesions.
- Intra-operative evaluation of arthroscopy Joint: arthroscopy - overview and fracture fixation.
Advantages
- Radiography is a readily available modality, relatively inexpensive and non-invasive.
- Important imaging modality for identification of osseous and some soft tissue abnormalities.
- Digital images can be shared easily for expert interpretation or opinion.
- Can be used to aid surgical planning
Disadvantages
- Not 100% sensitive or specific for all osseous lesions.
- Depends largely upon image quality and experience of interpreter. Influenced by operator, patient and equipment factors.
- Potential for radiation exposure to operators and involved personnel.
Alternative techniques
- Contrast radiography.
- Radiography hindlimb Hindlimb: radiography.
- Other diagnostic imaging alternatives, eg ultrasonography Ultrasonography: musculoskeletal.
- Skeletal scintigraphy Bone: scintigraphy.
- Magnetic resonance imaging Magnetic resonance imaging.
Time required
Preparation
- 10 min.
Procedure
- 5-30 min per site depending on number of views acquired.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Localization of pain causing lameness to a specific region in the forelimb using diagnostic analgesia.
- Localizing clinical signs, eg heat, pain, swelling, abnormal conformation or limb angulation.
- Images requested as part of a pre-purchase evaluation.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Redding W R & Pease A P (2010) Imaging of the shoulder. Equine Vet Educ 22 (4), 199-209 VetMedResource.
- Richard E & Alexander K (2007) Nonconventional radiographic projections in the equine orthopedic examination. Equine Vet Educ 19 (10), 551-559 VetMedResource.
- Ruohoniemi M, Makela O & Eskonen T (2004) Clinical significance of ossification of the cartilages of the front feet based on nuclear bone imaging, radiography and lameness examinations in 21 Finnhorses. Equine Vet J 36 (2), 143-148 PubMed.
- Pilsworth R C (1996) Radiography and radiology of the metacarpus and metatarsus. Equine Vet Educ 8 (5), 283-292 VetMedResource.
- Quick C B & Rendano V T (1979) Equine radiology: the splint bones. Mod Vet Pract 60 (1), 56-60 PubMed.
- Rendano V T (1977) Equine radiology - the fetlock. Mod Vet Pract 58 (10), 871-875 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Butler J A, Colles C M, Dyson S J, Kold S E & Poulos P W (2017) Clinical Radiology of the Horse. 4th edn. Wiley Blackwell, UK.
- Stashak T S (1987) Adams' Lameness in Horses. 4th edn. Lea & Febiger, USA.