Enhanced ultrasonographic imaging of the equine distal limb using saline injection of the digital flexor tendon sheath: A cadaver study

• Published in: The veterinary journal (1997) 2019-05, Vol.247, p.26-31
• Main Authors: Daniel, A.J., Leise, B.S., Selberg, K.T., Barrett, M.F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cadaver; Digital flexor tendon sheath; Forelimb - diagnostic imaging; Horse; Horses - anatomy & histology; MRI; Saline Solution - administration & dosage; Tendons - diagnostic imaging; Ultrasonography - veterinary; Ultrasound
• ISSN: 1090-0233; 1532-2971
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.02.007

•Saline distension improved marginal separation of digital sheath structures on ultrasonographic evaluation.•A closed system (syringe/tubing/needle) prevented air artifact introduction during injection.•Marginal separation was mostly improved for the manica flexoria and deep digital flexor tendon within the sheath.•There was limited improvement in marginal separation of the superficial digital flexor tendon. Injuries to the structures within the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) can lead to lameness with a variable degree of effusion in horses. In some cases, effusion is absent or minimal, and this may be related to the chronicity and type of injury, or veterinary interventions. The purpose of this study was to determine if saline injection into the DFTS would improve ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging of the distal limb without introducing artifact. Nine normal equine cadaver forelimbs were collected. Non-weight-bearing ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of each limb was performed pre- and immediately post-injection of the DFTS. The presence of fluid in the DFTS significantly improved the delineation of the deep digital flexor tendon, manica flexoria, and straight distal sesamoidean ligament visualised using both ultrasonography and MRI (P