equis - Articles
Ultrasonography: bone / joints
Introduction
- As an aid to the investigation of some types of musculoskeletal disease. It allows examination of the surfaces of the bones, as well as the associated synovial structures and ligaments.
- Although bone normally produces an 'acoustic shadow' during ultrasonography, information about soft tissue attachments, periosteal changes and cortical discontinuities can be obtained.
- Most successful for stifle, hock and MCP + MTP joints.
Uses
- Examination of the superficial areas of bones and joints Ultrasonography: musculoskeletal .
Advantages
- Non-invasive.
- Painless.
- Portable.
- Cheap.
- Useful for identifying:
- Joint effusion.
- Synovial hypertrophy.
- Articular cartilage defects.
- Joint chip fractures.
- Soft tissue structure defects, eg desmitis.
Disadvantages
- Only the surfaces of boney structures can be examined due to the lack of penetration of bone by sound.
- Bony prominences and curved contours prevent most useful positioning of transducer → not all areas can be visualized.
- A number of transucers may be required for some joints to allow successful evaluation.
- Attainable information is limited → ultrasonography is not a substitute for radiography.
Alternative techniques
- Radiography Hindlimb: radiography .
- Scintigraphy Bone: scintigraphy .
- Other aids to the investigation of lameness:
- Gait evaluation Musculoskeletal: gait evaluation .
- Examination of the horse at rest Musculoskeletal: physical examination - adult .
- Local anesthesia Hindlimb: perineural analgesia Forelimb: perineural analgesia .
Time required
Preparation
- Approximately 15-30 min.
Procedure
- Approximately 1 h, depends on areas to be imaged.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Localization of pain or disease to a particular musculoskeletal area.
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.
- Barrett M F, Frisbie D D, McIlwraith C W & Werpy N M (2012) The arthroscopic and ultrasonographic boundaries of the equine femorotibial joints. Equine Vet J 44 (1), 57-63 PubMed.
- Dupays A G, Coudry V, & Denoix J-M (2012) Ultrasonographic examination of the dorsal apsect of the distal interphalangeal joint of the horse. Equine Vet Educ 24, (1), 19-29 VetMedResource.
- Seignour M, Coudry V, Norris R & Denoix J-M (2012) Ultrasonographic examination of the palmar/plantar aspect of the fetlock in the horse: technique and normal images. Equine Vet Educ 24 (1), 19-29 VetMedResource.
- Powell S (2011) Investigation of pelvic problems in horses. In Pract 33 (10), 518-524 VetMedResource.
- Smith S & Smith R (2008) Diagnostic ultrasound of the limb joints, muscle and bone in horses. In Pract 30 (3), 152-159 VetMedResource.
- Hoegaerts M et al (2005) Cross-sectional anatomy and comparative ultrasonography of the equine medial femorotibial joint and its related structures. Equine Vet J 37 (6), 520-529 PubMed.
- McDiarmid A & Jones E (2004) Diagnosis of scapulohumeral joint osteoarthritis in a Shetland pony by ultrasonography. Vet Rec 154 (6), 178-180 PubMed.
- Redding W R (2001) Use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of joint disease in horses. Part 1 - Indications, technique and examination of the soft tissues. Equine Vet Educ 13 (4), 198-205 VetMedResource.
- Shepherd M C & Pilsworth R C (1994) The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pelvic fractures. Equine Vet Educ 6 (4), 223-227 VetMedResource.
- Dik K J, Van den Belt A J M & Keg P R (1991) Ultrasonographic evaluation of fetlock annular ligament constriction in the horse. Equine Vet J 23 (4), 285-288 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Smith R K W (2004) Ultrasonography of Joints: How it Enhances Evaluation and Diagnosis of Joint Disease. In: Proc 43rd BEVA Congress. Equine Vet J Ltd, UK. pp 258.
- Pilsworth R (2004) Ultrasonographic Examination of the Pelvis. In: Proc 43rd BEVA Congress. Equine Vet J Ltd, UK. pp 80.
- Rantanen N & McKinnon A (1998) EdsEquine Diagnostic Ultrasound.1st edn. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimor. ISBN: 0 683 07123 8.
- Nyland T G & Mattoon J S (1995)Veterinary Diagnostic Ultrasound.W B Saunders, Philadelphia.