title: Scintigraphic evaluation of fractures of the distal phalanx in horses: 27 cases (1979-1988).
abstract: Retrospective radiographic and scintigraphic analyses were performed on 27 fractures of the distal phalanx in 25 horses. Location of 99mtechnetium methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) uptake was compared with fracture line location as seen on radiography. Intensity (intense, moderate, mild) and pattern (focal, diffuse) of 99mTc-MDP uptake was recorded and compared with duration of fracture. Nine horses were monitored during convalescence by obtaining additional scintigraphic views 3 to 68 months after injury. Palmar scintigraphic views had evidence of focal areas of increased 99mTc-MDP uptake that corresponded to fracture line location as seen on radiography. Lateral scintigraphic views had evidence of diffuse increased uptake. There was a significant (P < 0.01) association between duration of fracture and intensity of uptake, with fractures < 3 months in duration more likely to have intense focal uptake. All fractures < 10 days in duration had intense focal uptake. As fracture age increased, 99mTc-MDP uptake became less intense and more diffuse. Three fractures not evident on radiography had evidence of 99mTc-MDP uptake on scintigraphy. Stall rest resulted in decreased 99mTc-MDP uptake in 6 of 9 horses, but increased uptake was still visible in all horses between 4 and 25 months after injury. The only scintigraphic view without evidence of increased uptake was that obtained from a horse reexamined 68 months after injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Keegan
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Twardock
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Losonsky
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005530:Foot Deformities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies