Dynamic three-dimensional computed tomographic imaging facilitates evaluation of the equine cervical articular process joint in motion.
Authors: Schulze Nicole, Werpy Natasha, Gernhardt Jennifer, Fritsch Guido, Hildebrandt Thomas, Vanderperren Katrien, Klopfleisch Robert, Ben Romdhane Racem, Lischer Christophorus, Ehrle Anna
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
Dynamic three-dimensional computed tomography represents a promising diagnostic advance for evaluating cervical articular process joint (APJ) mechanics in horses, moving beyond static imaging to capture joint movement throughout flexion and extension cycles. Researchers used a motorised testing device to manipulate cadaveric cervical specimens from twelve Warmblood horses whilst acquiring sequential 2D and 3D CT images, with three blinded observers scoring image quality across four movement phases on a scale from excellent to poor. Both flexion and extension movements were successfully visualised, revealing that the APJ surfaces demonstrate significantly greater translational displacement during flexion than extension—a functional distinction with potential diagnostic relevance for conditions affecting cervical stability and mobility. Although 3D dynamic videos showed slightly lower image quality scores than 2D sequences (median scores of 1–2 versus 1–3 respectively), the high-speed 320-detector scanner with 16 cm coverage provided sufficient clarity to characterise joint kinematics without table movement artefacts. Whilst this cadaveric work requires refinement before clinical application—particularly regarding in vivo image quality and the effects of intact musculature—dynamic 3D CT offers the profession a new window into cervical biomechanics, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy for subtle APJ pathology and informing treatment decisions in cases of cervical pain, stiffness, or performance limitation.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Dynamic CT imaging is a promising diagnostic tool for evaluating cervical joint problems in horses, though the technique requires further refinement before clinical application
- •The finding that flexion produces greater APJ displacement than extension may help explain cervical lameness patterns and inform therapeutic approaches
- •Current technology can capture joint motion in real-time, potentially improving diagnosis of subtle cervical joint pathology that static imaging might miss
Key Findings
- •Dynamic 3D CT imaging successfully captured cervical APJ movement with an overall median image quality score of 1 (excellent)
- •2D videos produced significantly better image quality than 3D videos across flexion and extension phases (P=0.007 and P=0.008 respectively)
- •Median translational displacement of the APJ surface was significantly greater during flexion than extension movement (P=0.002)
- •A 320-detector-row CT scanner with 160mm detector coverage and 0.32-second rotation speed provided high-quality images of moving cervical structures