Orthopedic MRI in equine

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) stands as the gold standard for detecting lameness in horses¹. It plays a pivotal role in the accurate diagnosis of lesions, distinguishing between joint conditions and tendon/ligament issues. This precision is crucial for formulating effective treatment plans and rehabilitation protocols, ultimately establishing a valid prognosis.

In the realm of bone disorders, MRI serves as the reference technique, unrivaled in identifying and documenting lesions that may escape routine imaging methods. Notably, MRI excels in highlighting bone marrow edema-like (BMEL) lesions, which remain undetectable with CT, even with contrast medium injection. In cases of joint, tendon, and ligament disorders, MRI complements radiography and ultrasonography, providing valuable additional information. While it does not replace these techniques, MRI's high complementarity ensures a more comprehensive and accurate diagnosis.

The safety profile of MRI, being non-ionizing and non-invasive, positions it as a highly favorable medical procedure for sport and racehorses. Esaote's commitment to veterinary medicine is evident through its dedicated MRI VET line, designed to provide optimal solutions for various clinical applications in equine care, further advancing diagnostic capabilities for horses.

Beyond hardware enhancements, Esaote places equal emphasis on the veterinary user interface. This interface is thoughtfully designed to enhance user familiarity, ultimately minimizing investigation time.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has solidified its status as the gold standard for examining the musculoskeletal anatomy of horses. This advanced imaging technique enables the rapid and precise localization of damage in both bone and soft tissues. Its ability to differentiate between various tissue types empowers veterinary clinicians to assess and manage a spectrum of orthopedic issues, including lameness, joint diseases, soft tissue injuries, and bone abnormalities.

In the context of equine MRI protocols, standard practices often include sequences such as Gradient Echo T2* and 3DSHARC for optimal cartilage visualization, 3DSST1 for volumetric anatomy imaging, and Fast Spin Echo for Proton Density and T2 imaging of ligaments and muscular structures. Esaote systems further enhance diagnostic capabilities by incorporating a diverse range of Fat Suppression sequences like STIR, XBONE, and SPED, facilitating effective identification of traumatic lesions and edema.

A noteworthy addition to Esaote's offerings is the G-scan Equine, which stands out as the only MRI system providing accurate imaging of the equine stifle by turning the magnet of 90°. Studies have confirmed its efficacy in detecting lesions that initial radiographic and ultrasonographic images may have overlooked². The G-scan Equine's protocol allows for routine stifle MRI, independent of breed, age, and gender, demonstrating safety and the ability to delineate both bone and soft-tissue pathology in horses.