Measurement accuracy of foot conformation parameters on low-field magnetic resonance images in horses

Bolt, DM; Carrier, ME; Sheridan, KS; Manso-Diaz, G; Berner, D

Abstract

Foot imbalance and malalignment of the digits are common in horses. Angle and distance measurements performed on bones, joints and hoof wall on radiographs provide essential guidance for precise corrective trimming and shoeing. This study aimed to investigate, if selected standing low-field magnetic resonance (MR) images can be used to accurately measure dorsopalmar and lateromedial foot conformation parameters in comparison to the radiographic gold standard. Images of 100 horses referred for standing low-field MR examination were selected. Foot conformation angles and distances were measured and compared between radiographs and MR images. Measurements from most imaging sources were significantly different from each other. Moderate to high correlation of foot conformation angles between radiographs and MR images in the lateromedial and dorsopalmar planes was found, with exception of the proximal interphalangeal joint angle, where there was only moderate agreement between radiographs and the 5-plane MR pilot (0.47, P < .001) and between radiographs and the 3-plane MR pilot (0.4, P < .001), respectively. Measurement of foot conformation parameters from low-field MR images should be used with caution in clinical practice and acquisition of current foot radiographs immediately before or after MR examination should be considered to facilitate precise trimming and shoeing. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Citation

Bolt, D., Carrier, M., Sheridan, K., Manso-Diaz, G., & Berner, D. (2022). Measurement accuracy of foot conformation parameters on low-field magnetic resonance images in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 112, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103894

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 2, 2022
• Publication Date: Feb 7, 2022
• Deposit Date: Aug 19, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 19, 2022
• Print ISSN: 0737-0806
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 112
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103894
• Keywords: Equine lameness; Diagnostic imaging; MRI; Radiography; Foot conformation; RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENTS; DISTAL; HOOF; LIMB