Ultrasonography of the podotrochlear apparatus in the horse using a transcuneal approach: Technique and reference images

The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique for ultrasonographic examination of the podotrochlear apparatus in the horse using a transcuneal approach. In this study, ultrasound scans were performed in 3 normal cadaver limbs and 5 sound horses and images were compared to anatomic sections to establish the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the podotrochlear apparatus. Detailed description of transverse and sagittal reference ultrasonographic images of this region is provided. This new imaging technique allows the assessment of the distal sesamoid bone flexor surface, the distal portion of the deep digital flexor tendon, the impar distal sesamoidean ligament, and the entheses of the distal phalanx.