Arthrographic Study of the Communication between the Tarsal Joints in Crioulo Horses

Objective The aim of the present study is to assess an arthrographic technique based on the access to the equine tarsus via distal intertarsal and on the existence and frequency of communication between distal and tarsocrural joints in the tarsus of Crioulo horses. Materials and Methods Fifty Crioulo horses of both sexes from 3 to 8 years old were included in the experiment. Animals with radiographic signs of tarsal osteoarthritis and joint space loss were excluded from the experiment. Contrast was injected in the distal intertarsal joint and radiographs were taken at two different times - Time 0 (after contrast application) and Time 1 (45 seconds after) to detect any communication between tarsal joints. The recorded results were analysed through chi-squared test. Results Thirty out of three hundred tarsi were excluded from the experiment since the radiographic images showed loss of the distal intertarsal joint space. Positive contrast was injected in distal intertarsal joint of 70/100 tarsi. There was not any contrast overflow in the 30/70 assessed tarsi. Contrast diffused to the tarsometatarsal joint in 32/70 of the assessed tarsi and reached tarsocrural joints in 8/70 tarsi. The adopted arthrographic technique was effective in data collection and evaluation; however, 52/70 of tarsi showed contrast overflow to the bursa of the cunean tendon. Clinical significance The communication between tarsocrural and distal tarsal joints in Crioulo horses was significantly higher, and this finding emphasizes the importance of performing contrasted arthrography before getting to a final diagnostic and defining therapeutic procedures.

Imaging of Articular Cartilage

Chapter 111 discusses imaging of articular cartilage. The importance of cartilage in normal joint function necessitates the use of high-resolution sequences for cartilage assessment. Cartilage loss is inferred on radiographs and CT images by the presence of joint space loss, altered alignment, and subchondral bone changes. MRI allows the direct assessment of articular cartilage structure and injury in contrast to the indirect visualization obtained with radiography and CT. Direct visualization in situ has helped to advance the treatment of injured cartilage, which is increasingly common in clinical practice. The imaging of cartilage composition may aid in the development of treatments that prevent or stabilize cartilage injury.