SAEVA Congress 2018 Proceedings | 12-15 February 2018 | ATKV Goudini Spa
Scanning Technique
The optimal images are obtained with the transducer held perpendicular to the
structures being evaluated. This maximizes the amount of reflected ultrasound from the
tendons and ligaments. The tendons and ligaments should be scanned in two mutually
perpendicular planes from their origin to insertion. Ultrasonographic examination of the
musculoskeletal system should begin superficially and gradually progress deeper
until the full extent of structure being evaluated has been examined. The entire joint
and periarticular area should be examined ultrasonographically. A systematic
approach involves investigating all the cranial/dorsal, lateral, medial and
caudal/plantar structures of the tarsus and the structures immediately proximal and
distal to this joint.
Normal Sonographic Anatomy of the Joints of the Hindlimb
Normal Ultrasonographic Appearance of Bone
The normal bone surface echo is a smooth uniform thickness hyperechoic line
that casts an acoustic shadow from its near surface. Bony shelves that are
continuous with the parent portion of the bone in at least one imaging plane
represent bony protuberances. Within the joint, the articular cartilage is a thin
anechoic space overlying the hyperechoic subchondral bone.
Normal Ultrasonographic Appearance of Skeletal Muscle
Normal skeletal muscle appears ultrasonographically as hypoechoic muscle fibers
laced with and surrounded by echoic fascia, connective tissue and fat. In short axis
section the normal muscle has a “marbled” or speckled appearance, which is unique
for each individual muscle, as is its striated long axis appearance.
The non-weight bearing muscle appears more echoic than the same muscle when
the horse is fully weight bearing. Therefore, comparisons between contralateral
muscles should be made when the horse is normally weight bearing.
Hock and Crus
The peroneous tertius tendon extends from the distal femur to insert on the
proximal aspect of the MT3, the calcaneus and the third and fourth tarsal bones. It
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