Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the bovine metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint

The aims of the present study were to describe the normal ultrasonographic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomographic (CT) appearances of the bovine metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints and to assess the normal cross-sectional dimensions of the superficial (SDFT) and deep (DDFT) digital flexor tendons. A systematic ultrasound examination was performed on the MCP/MTP joints of 22 healthy cattle and two bovine cadavers, and the cross-sectional dimensions of the SDFT and DDFT were recorded. The cadaveric MCP/MTP joints (n = 8) were scanned using a 16-slice multi-detector CT scanner and a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, injected with green latex and sectioned into transverse (n = 4), sagittal (n = 2) and dorsal (n = 2) slices. Ultrasonographic, CT and MRI images were correlated with corresponding findings in anatomical dissections for the distal aspects of the third and fourth metacarpal/metatarsal bones, proximal aspects of the proximal phalanges, proximal sesamoid bones, lateral, common and medial digital extensor tendons, SDFT, DDFT, axial and abaxial collateral ligaments, suspensory, palmar/plantar, interdigital intersesamoidean and interdigital phalangosesamoidean ligaments, and collateral, cruciate and short sesamoidean ligaments. The axial and collateral sesamoidean ligaments could not be evaluated by ultrasonography. The articular cartilage, and the short and cruciate sesamoidean ligaments, were not identified in CT images. The cross-sectional dimensions of the SDFT and DDFT differed significantly between the forelimbs and hind limbs (P < 0.05); there were no significant differences between the contralateral limbs. The annotated ultrasonographic, CT and MRI images are intended as a normal reference that could be useful for interpretation of clinical disease in the bovine MCP/MTP joint.