Radiographic localisation of the entheses of the equine stifle.
Authors: Aldrich E D, Goodrich L R, Monahan M K, Conway J D, Valdés-Martínez A
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Radiographic localisation of the entheses of the equine stifle Soft tissue injuries around the equine stifle represent a significant source of lameness, yet veterinarians have lacked a comprehensive radiographic reference guide for identifying where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. Aldrich and colleagues addressed this gap by systematically mapping all entheseal origins and insertions of the stifle using gross dissection on a single specimen, then capturing their anatomical locations across four standard radiographic projections with barium paste markers. The research produced 48 radiographic images that establish clear landmarks for each attachment point and identify the optimal projection(s) for visualising each structure of clinical interest. These reference images are particularly valuable for recognising enthesopathies and avulsion fractures—common presentations in lame horses—since radiography remains the first-line diagnostic tool for stifle pathology in equine practice. Clinicians can now consult this atlas when evaluating stifle radiographs, improving the likelihood of detecting soft tissue origin/insertion injuries that might otherwise be overlooked and ensuring more consistent interpretation of findings across different practitioners.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Use this radiographic atlas as a reference guide when evaluating stifle radiographs to accurately identify avulsion injuries and enthesopathies that may be causing lameness
- •Ensure multiple radiographic projections are obtained when investigating suspected stifle tendon or ligament injuries, as single-view radiography may miss important lesions
- •Understanding precise anatomical landmarks for each enthesis will improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for equine stifle injuries
Key Findings
- •Forty-eight radiographic images were produced demonstrating optimal projections for identifying all stifle entheses
- •Gross dissection and barium paste marking enabled precise radiographic localization of tendon and ligament origins and insertions in the equine stifle
- •Multiple radiographic projections are necessary to adequately visualize each individual enthesis of the stifle