MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE EQUINE STIFLE

The purpose of this study was to define normal gross anatomic structur es in the equine stifle with magnetic resonance images, Magnetic reson ance (MR) images were made in sagittal, 15 degrees supinated, transver se, and dorsal planes of two equine stifles, The MR images were scruti nized by comparing MR images to dissection specimens and frozen cross sections of stifle joints, Sagittal and 15 degrees supinated images we re the most valuable in assessing articular cartilage, subchondral bon e, and soft tissue structures within the joint, Cranial and caudal cru ciate ligaments, medial and lateral menisci, meniscotibial and menisco femoral ligaments, long digital extensor tendon, and patellar ligament s were easily evaluated, MR images provided substantially more gross a natomical information than the currently available imaging modalities.