Radiographic anatomy of the soft tissue attachments of the equine stifle.
Authors: Maulet B E B, Mayhew I G, Jones E, Booth T M
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Understanding soft tissue injury patterns at the equine stifle has long been hampered by the lack of precise anatomical correlation between clinical radiographs and the actual bony attachment sites of ligaments, tendons and joint capsules. Maulet and colleagues addressed this gap by systematically mapping these attachment points through gross dissection, then using radiopaque markers on a cleaned skeletal specimen to document their exact position on standard radiographic views (lateromedial, caudocranial, and caudal 60° lateral-craniomedial oblique projections). By creating dedicated radiographic maps for both ligament/tendon attachments and capsular attachments across all three projections, the team produced the first detailed reference guide correlating anatomical landmarks visible on clinical radiographs to the soft tissue structures they represent. For veterinarians and physiotherapists, these maps should significantly improve interpretation of stifle radiographs, particularly when evaluating subtle bony changes associated with soft tissue pathology, calcification within ligamentous structures, or capsular involvement—potentially refining diagnosis before advanced imaging becomes necessary. This foundational work remains invaluable for anyone seeking to accurately identify which structures are implicated in stifle lameness based on radiographic findings alone.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Radiographic maps of soft tissue attachment sites provide a reference for identifying normal anatomy and recognizing pathological changes on equine stifle radiographs
- •Understanding precise attachment locations improves diagnostic accuracy when evaluating stifle injuries in clinical practice
- •This anatomical mapping serves as a foundation for interpreting ligamentous and capsular injuries visible on routine stifle radiographs
Key Findings
- •Precise radiographic anatomy of equine stifle soft tissue attachments (tendons, ligaments, joint capsules) was mapped using radiopaque markers on standard radiographic projections
- •Radiographic maps were created for three standard projections: lateromedial, caudocranial, and caudal 60° lateral-craniomedial oblique views
- •Separate radiographic maps were generated for ligament/tendon attachments and joint capsule attachments to aid interpretation