Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging techniques in the equine digit

An anatomic study of the equine digit using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ) was performed. Seventeen isolated forelimbs and one hindleg of nine warmb lood horses were imaged in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes with a 1 .5 Tesla magnet using T1- , T2- proton density-weighted spin echo sequences as well as T2* gradient echo sequences. One scan plane in each horse was c ompared with corresponding anatomic and histologic sections. The best imagi ng planes to visualize various anatomic structures were determined. Fibroca rtilage was visualized in the insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon a nd the suspensory ligament as well as in the distal sesamoidean ligaments. The correlation of MRI images with anatomic and histologic sections confirm ed that all of the anatomic structures in the equine digit could be evaluat ed in PD and T2 studies.