Vacuum phenomenon in the metatarsophalangeal joint of a horse.
Vacuum phenomenon was induced inadvertently during radiographic examination of a metatarsophalangeal joint of a lame horse. The phenomenon was recreated in a sound horse when a metacarpophalangeal joint was radiographed in a stress-flexed position. Distraction of apposing articular surfaces may induce the vacuum phenomenon, which could result in misdiagnosis of an osteochondral defect or fracture.
Specht
T E
TE
Department of Food Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27606-1499.
Poulos
P W
PW
Metcalf
M R
MR
Robertson
I D
ID
D000818:Animals; D001175:Arthrography / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006736:Horses; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014618:Vacuum