The 3D anatomy of the cervical articular process joints in the horse and their topographical relationship to the spinal cord.

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Cervical Articular Process Joint Anatomy in the Horse Cervical articular process joint (APJ) pathology is a recognised cause of spinal cord compression and associated neurological deficits including ataxia and weakness, yet fundamental anatomical knowledge of these joints remained surprisingly limited prior to this work. Claridge and colleagues used high-resolution computed tomography and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques to precisely map the morphology of cervical APJs (C2–C7) and their spatial relationship to the spinal cord in cadaveric specimens. The findings revealed substantial anatomical variation between individual joints and along the cervical spine, with notably asymmetric joint surfaces and considerable cranio-caudal angulation that would directly influence stress distribution and potential compression pathways. These detailed anatomical insights are valuable for clinicians interpreting diagnostic imaging of cervical dysfunction, as they establish the normal dimensional parameters against which joint disease and cord impingement can be accurately assessed, ultimately improving diagnosis and treatment planning for horses presenting with subtle or progressive neurological signs.

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Key Findings

• •Detailed 3D anatomical description of equine cervical articular process joints provided for the first time
• •Anatomical relationship between APJ structures and spinal cord documented
• •APJ pathology identified as a potential cause of spinal cord compression and associated neurological signs

Conditions Studied