Page 316 - Equine Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Reproduction, 2nd Edition

Musculoskeletal system: 1.8 Soft-tissue injuries 291

VetBooks.ir 1.549 1.550

1.551

Figs. 1.549–1.551 The high spatial resolution of
CT makes it a valuable tool to assess bone and bone–
soft tissue interfaces. (1.549) Cross-section of the foot
through the distal phalanx (P3) and distal sesamoid
bone using a bone reconstruction kernel. P2 = middle
phalanx. (1.550, 1.551) Contrast resolution is poor for
soft tissues but sufficient to assess the contours of
tendons and ligaments and look for synovial effusions,
using a soft tissue reconstruction kernel. D = deep
digital flexor tendon; b and arrow = podotrochlear
bursa; j = distal interphalangeal joint pouch;
T = T-ligament; c = collateral ligament of the distal
sesamoid bone; al = distal digital annular ligament;
dp = digital pad.

High-definition CT may also provide valuable is a limitation, although enhancement by iodin-
information regarding soft-tissue structures, par- ated contrast media (contrast-enhanced CT) can
ticularly in the foot, as images with high spatial significantly improve detection of abnormali-
resolution may be obtained (Figs. 1.549–1.551). ties. CT is also very sensitive in detecting early
Poor inherent radiographic contrast in soft tissue haemorrhage.