Concurrent radiological and ultrasonographical findings in the forelimb proximal sesamoid bones and adjacent suspensory ligament branches in yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbred sales horses.

Background: Changes in the proximal sesamoid bones (sesamoids) and the insertional region of the adjacent suspensory ligament branch (branch) are of particular importance in young Thoroughbreds sold at public auction. Little is known about the prevalence of concurrent ultrasonographical branch change, relative to the various grades of radiological sesamoid appearance.

Objective: To examine the existence of concurrent radiological and ultrasonographical findings in individual sesamoid-branch units in sales horses; to determine whether there are any radiological findings that are consistently accompanied by a particular degree of insertional branch change, and to provide practical recommendations as to when suspensory branch ultrasonography may be warranted in a sales environment.

Ultrasonography of the suspensory ligament branches in yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbred sales horses: Prevalence, progression of findings and associations with racing performance.

Background: Equine suspensory ligament branch (branch) ultrasonography is becoming increasingly commonplace presale. No ultrasonographical branch reference data exists for Thoroughbred sales horses.

Objectives: To define the prevalence of ultrasonographical findings in the forelimb suspensory branches of yearling and 2-year-old sales Thoroughbreds and to analyse associations with racing performance.

Longitudinal in vivo cationic contrast-enhanced computed tomography classifies equine articular cartilage injury and repair.

Cationic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) capitalizes on increased contrast agent affinity to the charged proteoglycans in articular cartilage matrix to provide quantitative assessment of proteoglycan content with enhanced images. While high resolution microCT has demonstrated success, we investigate cationic CECT use in longitudinal in vivo imaging at clinical resolution. We hypothesize that repeated administration of CA4+ will have no adverse side effects or complications, and that sequential in vivo imaging assessments will distinguish articular cartilage repair tissue from early degenerative and healthy cartilage in critically sized chondral defects.

Feasibility of bone marrow edema detection using dual-energy cone-beam computed tomography.

Background: Dual-energy (DE) detection of bone marrow edema (BME) would be a valuable new diagnostic capability for the emerging orthopedic cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems. However, this imaging task is inherently challenging because of the narrow energy separation between water (edematous fluid) and fat (health yellow marrow), requiring precise artifact correction and dedicated material decomposition approaches.

Purpose: We investigate the feasibility of BME assessment using kV-switching DE CBCT with a comprehensive CBCT artifact correction framework and a two-stage projection- and image-domain three-material decomposition algorithm.

Radiological findings in the proximal sesamoid bones of yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbred sales horses: Prevalence, progression and associations with racing performance.

Background: Radiological findings in the proximal sesamoid bones (sesamoids) are a persistent source of controversy at Thoroughbred sales, due to inconsistent classification and conflicting assignment of potential clinical importance.

Objectives: To define the prevalence of sesamoid findings on sales repository radiographs in yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbreds and to analyse associations with racing performance. To track the changes in sesamoid findings between 1 and 2 years of age in horses that present for sale at both ages.

Cone-beam computed tomography produces images of numerically comparable diagnostic quality for bone and inferior quality for soft tissues compared with fan-beam computed tomography in cadaveric equine metacarpophalangeal joints.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an emerging modality for imaging of the equine patient. The objective of this prospective, descriptive, exploratory study was to assess visualization tasks using CBCT compared with conventional fan-beam CT (FBCT) for imaging of the metacarpophalangeal joint in equine cadavers. Satisfaction scores were numerically excellent with both CBCT and FBCT for bone evaluation, and FBCT was numerically superior for soft tissue evaluation.

Computed tomography and fluoroscopy versus radiographic guidance for internal fixation of simulated dorsomedial-plantarolateral central tarsal bone fractures in nonracehorses.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess screw placement in simulated dorsomedial-plantarolateral central tarsal bone (CTB) fractures using two imaging guidance techniques - computed tomography (CT) with fluoroscopy compared to digital radiography alone (DR).

Study Design: Experimental study.

Sample Population: Equine cadaver hindlimbs (n = 10 pairs).

Subchondral lucencies of the medial femoral condyle in yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbred sales horses: Prevalence, progression and associations with racing performance.

Background: Subchondral lucencies (SCLs) in the distal aspect of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) of young Thoroughbred horses are a source of controversy on presale radiographs. There is limited scientific evidence regarding the risk of progression and impact on future racing performance.

Objectives: To (1) identify the prevalence of MFC SCLs on sales repository radiographs in yearling and 2-year-old Thoroughbreds; (2) identify any association between grade of MFC SCL and future racing performance and (3) monitor changes in MFC SCL grades between yearling and 2-year-old sales.

Review of the Mechanism of Action and Use of Bisphosphonates in Horses.

Bisphosphonates are a group of drugs that can reduce bone resorption by incorporating into the crystal structure of exposed hydroxyapatite where they are taken up by osteoclasts. Bisphosphonates have several other mechanisms of action including reducing pain and inflammation and altering macrophage function. There are two types of bisphosphonates-nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous, the latter of which is used in horses.

Evaluation of a modified subchondroplasty technique in an equine full-thickness cartilage defect model: a pilot study.

Objective: To perform a pilot study with the intent of assessing the feasibility of a modified subchondroplasty (mSCP) technique in a validated preclinical equine model of full-thickness articular cartilage loss and evaluate the short-term patient response to the injected materials.

Animals: 3 adult horses.

Procedures: Two 15-mm-diameter full-thickness cartilage defects were created on the medial trochlear ridge of each femur.

Experimental models of bone marrow lesions in ovine femoral condyles.

Objective: To develop an in vivo experimental model for bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in ovine femorotibial joints.

Study Design: Randomized, prospective experimental study.

Animals: Eighteen healthy, skeletally-mature Dorper cross ewes.

Novel computed tomographic analysis demonstrates differences in patterns of bone mineral content between fracture configurations in distal condylar fractures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bones in 97 Thoroughbred racehorses.

Objective: To evaluate bone mineral content patterns between fracture configurations using novel CT image analysis.

Animals: CT images from 97 Thoroughbred racehorses with third metacarpal/tarsal condyle fractures provide the case population for analysis.

Procedures: Fractures were grouped by radiographic appearance.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Suspensory Ligament in Quarter Horses Used for Cutting.

Ultrasound remains a mainstay in proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) evaluation. Despite recent improvements facilitating earlier diagnosis/treatment, needs exist for (1) characterization of normal ultrasonographic PSL cross-sectional area (CSA) in specific breeds/disciplines, (2) improved detection of early/subtle changes in the PSL, and (3) an understanding of suspensory ligament (SL) morphology change from work-related stress. The objectives of this study were to establish normal PSL CSA in Quarter Horses (QH) used for cutting via angle contrast ultrasonography, ultrasonographically monitor SL morphology as horses progress through training, and assess the impact of PSL disease on performance (Lifetime Earnings - $LTE).

Comparative evaluation of tomosynthesis, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings for metacarpophalangeal joints from equine cadavers.

Objective: To describe the technique and assess the diagnostic potential and limitations of tomosynthesis for imaging of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) of equine cadavers; compare the tomosynthesis appearance of pathological lesions with their conventional radiographic, CT, and MRI appearances; and evaluate all imaging findings with gross lesions of a given MCPJ.

Sample: Distal portions of 4 forelimbs from 4 equine cadavers.

Procedures: The MCPJs underwent radiography, tomosynthesis (with a purpose-built benchtop unit), CT, and MRI; thereafter, MCPJs were disarticulated and evaluated for the presence of gross lesions.

Use of cone-beam computed tomography for advanced imaging of the equine patient.

Access to volumetric imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), has increased over the past decade and has revolutionised the way clinicians evaluate equine anatomy. More recent advancements have resulted in the development of multiple commercially available cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanners for equine use. CBCT scanners modify the traditional fan-shaped beam of ionising radiation into a three-dimensional pyramidal- or cone-shaped beam of radiation.

Equine Cervical Pain and Dysfunction: Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Interest in the cervical spine as a cause of pain or dysfunction is increasingly becoming the focus of many equine practitioners. Many affected horses are presented for poor performance, while others will present with dramatic, sometimes dangerous behavior. Understanding and distinguishing the different types of neck pain is a starting point to comprehending how the clinical presentations can vary so greatly.

Physiologic effects of long-term immobilization of the equine distal limb.

Objective: To describe the effects of distal limb immobilization and remobilization in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint.

Study Design: Randomized, prospective experimental study.

Animals: Eight healthy, skeletally mature horses.

Long-term outcome after stifle arthroscopy in 82 Western performance horses (2003-2010).

Objective: To report the outcome of horses engaged in Western performance disciplines after stifle arthroscopy and identify prognostic factors for return to performance.

Study Design: Retrospective case series.

Sample Population: Eighty-two Western performance horses undergoing stifle arthroscopy.

Gait and electromyographic alterations due to early onset of injury and eventual rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs: A pilot study.

Objective: Identify relevant electromyography (EMG), kinematic, and kinetic changes resulting from monopolar radiofrequency energy (MRFE)-induced cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury and eventual rupture in dogs.

Study Design: Experimental, repeated measures.

Animals: Five purpose-bred female dogs free of orthopedic and neurologic disease.

Usefulness of caudomedial-craniolateral oblique radiographic views for the diagnosis of injury to the origin of the cranial cruciate ligament in two horses.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 12-year-old mixed-breed mare (horse 1) and 6-year-old Friesian gelding (horse 2) were examined for chronic lameness associated with the stifle joint. CLINICAL FINDINGS Lameness examination revealed effusion of the right (horse 1) or left (horse 2) femoropatellar and medial femorotibial joints and grade 3/5 (horse 1) or 4/5 (horse 2) lameness. A diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury with associated mineralization and avulsion (horse 1) or mineralization alone (horse 2) was facilitated in both horses with a caudomedial-craniolateral oblique radiographic view obtained 45° medial to the caudocranial line, which highlighted the origin of the ligament on the caudoaxial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle within the intercondylar fossa.

Genetic modification of scAAV-equine-BMP-2 transduced bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells before and after cryopreservation: An "off-the-shelf" option for fracture repair.

Optimizing the environment of complex bone healing and improving treatment of catastrophic bone fractures and segmental bone defects remains an unmet clinical need both human and equine veterinary medical orthopaedics. The objective of this study was to determine whether scAAV-equine-BMP-2 transduced cells would induce osteogenesis in equine bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSCs) in vitro, and if these cells could be cryopreserved in an effort to osteogenically prime them as an "off-the-shelf" gene therapeutic approach for fracture repair. Our study found that transgene expression is altered by cell expansion, as would be expected by a transduction resulting in episomal transgene expression, and that osteoinductive levels could still be achieved 5 days after recovery, and protein expression would continue up to 14 days after transduction.

Use of a locking compression plate for equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis: 29 cases (2008-2014).

OBJECTIVE To describe clinical use of a locking compression plate (LCP) for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis in horses and compare outcomes for horses that underwent the procedure as treatment for fracture of the middle phalanx (P2) versus other causes. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 29 client-owned horses.

The Importance of Subchondral Bone in the Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis.

Subchondral bone plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of osteochondral disease across veterinary species. The subchondral bone is highly adaptable, with the ability to model and remodel in response to loading stresses experienced by the joint. Repetitive stress injuries within the joint can result in primary or secondary pathologic lesions within the subchondral bone, which have been recognized to contribute to the development and progression of osteoarthritis.

The challenges of promoting osteogenesis in segmental bone defects and osteoporosis.

Conventional clinical management of complex bone healing scenarios continues to result in 5-10% of fractures forming non-unions. Additionally, the aging population and prevalence of osteoporosis-related fractures necessitate the further exploration of novel ways to augment osteogenesis in this special population. This review focuses on the current clinical modalities available, and the ongoing clinical and pre-clinical research to promote osteogenesis in segmental bone defects, delayed unions, and osteoporosis.

Relationship between repository radiographic findings and subsequent performance of Quarter Horses competing in cutting events.

OBJECTIVE To investigate potential associations between repository radiographic findings and subsequent performance of Quarter Horses competing in cutting events. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SAMPLE Repository radiographs (ie, radiographs obtained at the time of sale) for 343 client-owned horses.