3-DIMENSIONAL SONOGRAPHIC IMAGING OF THE EQUINE SUPERFICIAL DIGITAL FLEXOR TENDON

In a feasability study, a technique for constructing 3-dimensional son ographic images of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) was es tablished in 6 clinically normal horses and applied to 7 horses with i njured SDFT. Two-dimensional B-mode sonographic images were recorded o n videotape as the sonographic transducer was manually moved along the palmar aspect of the metacarpal region. Selected videofields were dig itized, and 3-dimensional images were constructed, using a computer wo rk station and dedicated software program. The 3-dimensional images we re of high quality and presented qualitative clinical information in u nique fashion. Indication of the extent of SDFT injuries was excellent . Such 3-dimensional images would be especially useful in explaining t o owners and trainers the importance of the injury to their horse and would have a role in monitoring tendon healing and in the assessment: of various treatments.