title: Comparison of cross-sectional anatomy and computed tomography of the tarsus in horses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare computed tomography (CT) images of equine tarsi with cross-sectional anatomic slices and evaluate the potential of CT for imaging pathological tarsal changes in horses.
  
  
  METHODS
  6 anatomically normal equine cadaveric hind limbs and 4 tarsi with pathological changes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Precontrast CT was performed on 3 equine tarsi; sagittal and dorsal reconstructions were made. In all limbs, postcontrast CT was performed after intra-articular contrast medium injection of the tarsocrural, centrodistal, and tarsometatarsal joints. Images were matched with corresponding anatomic slices. Four tarsi with pathological changes underwent CT examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The tibia, talus, calcaneus, and central, fused first and second, third, and fourth tarsal bones were clearly visualized as well as the long digital extensor, superficial digital flexor, lateral digital flexor (with tarsal flexor retinaculum), gastrocnemius, peroneus tertius, and tibialis cranialis tendons and the long plantar ligament. The lateral digital extensor, medial digital flexor, split peroneus tertius, and tibialis cranialis tendons and collateral ligaments could be located but not always clearly identified. Some small tarsal ligaments were identifiable, including plantar, medial, interosseus, and lateral talocalcaneal ligaments; interosseus talocentral, centrodistal, and tarsometatarsal ligaments; proximal and distal plantar ligaments; and talometatarsal ligament. Parts of the articular cartilage could be assessed on postcontrast images. Lesions were detected in the 4 tarsi with pathological changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CT of the tarsus is recommended when radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive and during preoperative planning for treatment of complex fractures. Images from this study can serve as a CT reference, and CT of pathological changes was useful.
authors: Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors: Els V
authors: EV
authors: Raes
authors: Eric H J
authors: EH
authors: Bergman
authors: Henk
authors: H
authors: van der Veen
authors: Katrien
authors: K
authors: Vanderperren
authors: Elke
authors: E
authors: Van der Vekens
authors: Jimmy H
authors: JH
authors: Saunders
mesh_terms: D019412:Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D003287:Contrast Media; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D012016:Reference Values; D013639:Tarsal Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D013643:Tarsus, Animal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media