A comparison of the palmaroproximal-palmarodistal view of the isolated navicular bone to other views.
Authors: de Clercq, Verschooten, Ysebaert
Journal: Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association
Summary
# Editorial Summary Radiographic assessment of navicular disease relies on multiple projections to identify pathological changes, yet the clinical value of each view remains debated. de Clercq and colleagues examined 69 isolated navicular bones (44 normal, 25 affected by navicular disease) using three standard radiographic views—dorsopalmar, lateromedial, and palmaroproximal-palmarodistal—to determine whether the palmaroproximal-palmarodistal projection provided diagnostic information beyond the conventional two views. Despite its anatomical perspective, the palmaroproximal-palmarodistal view failed to contribute any indispensable diagnostic information; radiographic diagnoses reached using only the dorsopalmar and lateromedial projections were equivalent to those made with all three views combined. For equine practitioners and veterinarians, this finding suggests that the palmaroproximal-palmarodistal view may be considered supplementary rather than essential in routine navicular bone evaluation, potentially streamlining radiographic protocols and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure whilst maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Standard dorsopalmar and lateromedial radiographic views are sufficient for navicular bone evaluation; the palmaroproximal-palmarodistal view does not add diagnostic value for clinical decision-making
- •Practitioners can streamline radiographic protocols and reduce imaging time by eliminating the palmaroproximal-palmarodistal projection without compromising diagnostic accuracy
- •This evidence supports simplifying navicular bone imaging while maintaining diagnostic confidence in identifying navicular disease
Key Findings
- •Of 69 isolated navicular bones examined, 44 were radiographically normal and 25 showed distinct signs of navicular disease
- •The palmaroproximal-palmarodistal view was not considered indispensable for making a final radiographic diagnosis in any of the 69 bones
- •Dorsopalmar and lateromedial views combined provided sufficient diagnostic information without the palmaroproximal-palmarodistal view