A review of radiographic interpretation of the navicular bone
Authors: F. Hinkle, Myra Barrett
Journal: UK-Vet Equine
Summary
# Editorial Summary Navicular syndrome remains a significant cause of chronic lameness and early retirement across multiple equine disciplines, making reliable diagnostic methods essential for both clinical practice and pre-purchase assessment. Hinkle and Barrett's 2024 review synthesises current radiographic interpretation standards, examining how positioning and image quality directly influence the detection of pathological changes including sclerosis, synovial invaginations, distal border fragments, and flexor cortical erosions. Whilst radiography is the most accessible imaging modality in equine practice, the authors emphasise that consistent, high-quality technique is fundamental to identifying lesion patterns that may indicate disease progression or predisposition. Their systematic approach to radiological evaluation provides a framework for standardising how navicular changes are documented and interpreted, which has direct implications for diagnosis consistency, prognostic accuracy, and pre-purchase decision-making. For practitioners—whether preparing clinical cases or evaluating potential purchases—understanding the radiographic signatures of navicular pathology and the technical requirements for reliable interpretation strengthens diagnostic confidence and supports more informed management and client communication.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Ensure proper radiographic technique and positioning when imaging the navicular bone, as image quality directly impacts diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making
- •Familiarize yourself with the appearance of common navicular lesions (sclerosis, invaginations, fragments, erosions) to better communicate findings with veterinarians and clients
- •Include foot radiographs as part of pre-purchase examinations, as they are a standard diagnostic tool for identifying early navicular changes that could affect performance or longevity
Key Findings
- •Navicular syndrome is a chronic, degenerative, career-limiting disease affecting multiple horse breeds
- •Radiography is the most commonly used diagnostic imaging modality for identifying navicular disease
- •Good radiographic quality and positioning are essential for accurate interpretation of navicular lesions
- •Key radiographic lesions include sclerosis, enlarged synovial invaginations, distal border fragments, and flexor cortical erosions