CPD article: Radiographic interpretation of the navicular bone: a review
Authors: F. Hinkle, M. Barrett
Journal: UK-Vet Equine
Summary
Navicular syndrome remains a significant cause of chronic lameness and early retirement across diverse equine populations, making reliable diagnostic interpretation essential for both clinical management and pre-purchase assessment. Hinkle and Barrett provide a comprehensive review of radiographic methodology and lesion recognition, emphasising that image quality and precise positioning are foundational to accurate diagnosis. The authors detail key pathological features including navicular bone sclerosis, enlarged synovial invaginations, distal border fragmentation, and flexor cortical erosions, each of which may contribute differently to disease progression. Understanding the radiographic presentation of these lesions—rather than treating them as isolated findings—enables practitioners to contextualise clinical signs and diagnostic anaesthesia results within a coherent disease framework. For farriers, veterinarians, and rehabilitation specialists, this systematic approach to radiological evaluation supports more informed decision-making regarding prognosis, trimming strategies, and therapeutic interventions, whilst strengthening the evidential foundation of pre-purchase examinations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Ensure high-quality radiographic positioning and technique when imaging the navicular bone for accurate lesion identification and pre-purchase evaluation
- •Understand the significance of common radiographic findings (sclerosis, invaginations, fragments, erosions) as these guide diagnosis and prognosis of navicular disease
- •Use radiographic interpretation alongside clinical examination and diagnostic analgesia blocks for comprehensive navicular syndrome assessment
Key Findings
- •Navicular syndrome is a chronic, degenerative, and often career-limiting disease affecting various horse breeds
- •Radiography is the most widely used imaging modality for identifying navicular disease alongside clinical signs and diagnostic analgesia
- •Good radiographic quality and positioning are necessary for accurate interpretation of navicular bone lesions
- •Key radiographic lesions include sclerosis, enlarged synovial invaginations, distal border fragments, and flexor cortical erosions