Elastosonographic features of the metacarpophalangeal joint capsule in horses.
Authors: Straticò Paola, Guerri Giulia, Palozzo Adriana, Di Francesco Paola, Vignoli Massimo, Varasano Vincenzo, Petrizzi Lucio
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
Strain elastosonography (SE) offers a non-invasive method to assess tissue elasticity, and this study evaluated its clinical utility for detecting changes in the distal attachment of the metacarpophalangeal joint capsule in sound horses versus those with established osteoarthritis. Researchers examined 40 forelimbs across two groups using qualitative colour grading and semi-quantitative elasticity indices, with two operators performing assessments to establish inter-rater reliability and reproducibility. The technique proved feasible and reproducible, with good-to-excellent agreement between operators on colour grading scores and elasticity measurements, demonstrating that SE can reliably distinguish between normal and pathological capsular tissue based on measurable changes in elasticity patterns. Horses with metacarpophalangeal OA showed significantly reduced tissue elasticity compared with sound horses, suggesting SE could serve as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for detecting early capsular changes before radiographic or clinical signs become apparent. For practitioners, this elastosonographic approach may help identify subclinical joint disease and monitor capsular inflammation during treatment, potentially enabling earlier intervention in performance horses at risk of degenerative joint disease.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Elastosonography offers a non-invasive, repeatable imaging method to assess fetlock joint capsule changes that could help detect early osteoarthritis before clinical lameness develops
- •This technique could be useful in pre-purchase examinations or monitoring training horses at risk of joint disease
- •The method requires standardized operator technique but produces reliable results when performed consistently
Key Findings
- •Strain elastosonography is feasible and repeatable for imaging the distal attachment of metacarpophalangeal joint capsules in horses
- •Elasticity index and strain ratio measurements demonstrated good reproducibility between operators
- •Elastosonographic patterns differed significantly between sound horses and horses with metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis
- •Colour grading scores showed acceptable inter-rater reliability for assessing joint capsule elasticity