Flexed lateromedial
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Compared with the weight-bearing lateromedial, the flexed
lateromedial view offers better visualisation of the sagittal ridge
(arrow) of the third metacarpal bone and the dorsal surfaces of
the proximal sesamoid bones (arrowheads).
To flex the fetlock, either rest the foot on a raised wooden block
or hold the toe with a lead gloved hand.
To acquire a true lateromedial first ensure that the limb is
vertical and not rotated by viewing the position of the limb
from the front. The X-ray beam should be perpendicular to the
dorsopalmar direction of the fetlock.
Acquire the radiograph by centering and collimating as for the
weight-bearing view (above).
For a flexed lateromedial
radiograph to be of good
diagnostic quality the limb must
first be assessed from the front
to ensure that the limb is both
vertical and not rotated (left
image).
A good quality flexed lateromedial
radiograpgh allows the distal
aspect of the sagittal ridge
(arrowhead) to be visualised.
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• Equine Health Update •