Magnetic resonance and radiographic imaging of a case of bilateral bipartite navicular bones in a horse.
Authors: Harcourt, Smith, Bell, Young
Journal: Australian veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Bipartite navicular bones—where the navicular bone is partitioned into separate fragments—are a rare condition in horses, yet this 2018 case report of bilateral involvement in a 7-year-old eventing Warmblood provides valuable imaging insights for practitioners managing navicular pathology. Whilst radiographs clearly demonstrated the bone partitioning in both forelimbs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed significantly more extensive concurrent damage than previous literature had documented, including previously unreported soft tissue lesions affecting the podotrochlear apparatus alongside detailed characterisation of the osseous pathology itself. These additional MRI findings—particularly the soft tissue involvement—help explain why bipartite navicular disease typically carries such a poor long-term prognosis for return to athletic function, even when radiographic changes alone might seem manageable. For equine professionals evaluating chronic forelimb lameness, this case underscores the critical importance of MRI over radiography alone; relying solely on radiographic assessment could lead to underestimation of pathology and unrealistic prognostication with clients. Recognising the full extent of concurrent soft tissue damage alongside osseous partitioning should inform clinical decision-making around rehabilitation protocols and realistic performance expectations in affected horses.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Bilateral bipartite navicular disease carries a guarded to poor prognosis for return to previous performance levels in athletic horses; MRI should be considered to fully assess concurrent soft tissue involvement
- •Radiography alone may underestimate the extent of pathology in navicular disease; MRI provides critical additional diagnostic information about podotrochlear apparatus integrity
- •When evaluating chronic forelimb lameness in performance horses, consider MRI imaging to identify occult soft tissue lesions that may explain poor response to conventional treatments
Key Findings
- •Bilateral bipartite navicular bones were identified radiographically in a 7-year-old Warmblood eventing gelding
- •MRI revealed concurrent soft tissue lesions of the podotrochlear apparatus not previously described in navicular bone partition cases
- •MRI provided superior characterization of osseous navicular pathology compared to radiography alone
- •The presence of additional concurrent pathology identified by MRI explains the poor prognosis for return to athletic performance in this condition