Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of The Equine Stifle

Holcombe SJ, Bertone AL, Biller DS, et al.

Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 1995;36:119-125.

The purpose of this study was to define normal gross anatomic structures in the equine stifle with magnetic resonance images. Magnetic resonance (MR) images were made in sagittal, 15∞ supinated, transverse, and dorsal planes of two equine stifles. The MR images were scrutinized by comparing MR images to dissection specimens and frozen cross sections of stifle joints. Sagittal and 15∞ supinated images were the most valuable in assessing articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and soft tissue structures within the joint. Cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral menisci, meniscotibial and meniscofemoral ligaments, long digital extensor tendon, and patellar ligaments were easily evaluated. MR images provided substantially more gross anatomical information than the currently available imaging modalities.