			Home About us Contact

Lateromedial Radiographs (lateromedial + radiograph)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Diagnostic accuracy of digital photography and image analysis for the measurement of foot conformation in the horse

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2008
J. M. WHITE
Summary Reasons for performing study: Rigorous evaluation of practicable methods for the objective assessment of foot conformation has not been performed. Objectives: To assess the practicability, precision and accuracy of the process of obtaining measurements of horses' feet using photography and image processing software. Methods: Precision study: Lateral photographs of horses' feet were obtained twice by 2 veterinary surgeons (image acquisition - IAc). Photographs were analysed by 2 masked veterinary surgeons on 2 occasions (image analysis - IAn). Measurements were compared within and between operators for self and non-self acquired photographs. Agreement indices (AIs) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated for the IAn process alone and for the combined IAc + IAn processes. Accuracy study: Measurements obtained from lateral photographs were compared with those obtained from lateromedial radiographs. AIs and 95% LOA were calculated for each measurement. Results: Precision study: Mean intra- and interoperator AIs for the IAn process alone were ,0.90 while those for the combined IAc + IAn processes were ,0.89 for all measurements. Similar mean AIs and 95% LOA were calculated regardless of image origin. The 95% LOA for hoof angle, heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle for all comparisons were within target values. Accuracy study: Mean AIs were ,0.89 for all measurements. The 95% LOA for heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle were within target values. Conclusions: Excellent precision was identified within and between operators regardless of image origin. High levels of accuracy were also identified, especially for heel height/toe height% and coronary band angle, indicating that photography and radiography may be used interchangeably. Potential relevance: Acquisition and analysis of photographic images is an appropriate method for the objective measurement of foot conformation, both in clinical and research settings. [source]

Analysis of a radiographic technique for measurement of equine metacarpal bone shape

EQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue S33 2001
L. J. WALTER
Summary Accuracy and limitations of a radiographic technique were established for measurement of metacarpal bone shape in horses. A radiographic index (RI) has been used to measure changes in third metacarpal (Mc3) bone shape in response to training in young racehorses. The aim of these experiments was to determine the effects of positioning of the radiographic equipment on RI measurements from lateromedial radiographs of a left ex vivo metacarpus. Repeatability of the RI measurement in left lateromedial and right mediolateral view Mc3s were evaluated. The width of the dorsal cortex (DC), palmar cortex (PC) and medulla (M) were measured at a position 25 mm distal to the nutrient foramen and the RI calculated where RI = [(DC+PC)/M] x [DC/PC]. The reference RI values were obtained from 12 standard lateromedial radiographs. Factors analysed included the optimum focus-object distance, the angle at which the x-ray machine was positioned, the distance of the cassette from the limb, and the horizontal angle and vertical tilt of the cassette. The RI values included within the confidence interval (mean ° 1.96 x s.d.) were considered sufficiently accurate. The optimum focus-object distance was 1 m. Accurate measurements were obtained when the cassette was held as close to the limb as possible with the horizontal angle not exceeding 5°. The x-ray machine needed to be orientated within 6° of the lateromedial plane. These findings suggest that the radiographic index can be used to measure Mc3 bone shape, providing there is accurate alignment of the x-ray machine, cassette, and limb, with respect to one another. [source]

Morphometry and abnormalities of the feet of Kaimanawa feral horses in New Zealand

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 4 2010
BA Hampson
Objective The present study investigated the foot health of the Kaimanawa feral horse population and tested the hypotheses that horses would have a large range of foot morphology and that the incidence of foot abnormality would be significantly high. Procedures Abnormality was defined as a variation from what the two veterinarian assessors considered as optimal morphology and which was considered to impact negatively on the structure and/or function of the foot. Fifteen morphometric variables were measured on four calibrated photographic views of all four feet of 20 adult Kaimanawa feral horses. Four morphometric variables were measured from the lateromedial radiographs of the left forefoot of each horse. In addition, the study identified the incidence of gross abnormality observed on the photographs and radiographs of all 80 feet. Results There was a large variation between horses in the morphometric dimensions, indicating an inconsistent foot type. Mean hoof variables were outside the normal range recommended by veterinarians and hoof care providers; 35% of all feet had a long toe conformation and 15% had a mediolateral imbalance. Abnormalities included lateral (85% of horses) and dorsal (90% of horses) wall flares, presence of laminar rings (80% of horses) and bull-nose tip of the distal phalanx (75% of horses). Both hypotheses were therefore accepted. Conclusions The Kaimanawa feral horse population demonstrated a broad range of foot abnormalities and we propose that one reason for the questionable foot health and conformation is lack of abrasive wearing by the environment. In comparison with other feral horse populations in Australia and America there may be less pressure on the natural selection of the foot of the Kaimanawa horses by the forgiving environment of the Kaimanawa Ranges. Contrary to popular belief, the feral horse foot type should not be used as an ideal model for the domestic horse foot. [source]