MR Imaging of the cartilaginous growth structures of the distal radius of the horse - an age related study. [German]Original Title Magnetresonanztomographische Untersuchungen zur altersabhangigen Abbildung der Wachstumsknorpel des distalen Radius des Pferdes.

摘要

28 cadaver limb segments including the distal radius of 28 orthopedically sound horses of diverse breeds aged from 2 days to 17 years were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The limbs were examined in four different sequences (T1w-SE, T2w-TSE, PD-SE, T2 DESS-GE) and in two planes (sagittal, dorsal). The region of growth with respect to the physis of the distal radial bone was documented descriptively. Age related changes regarding the cartilaginous structures within this region were distinguished. Consecutively the average thickness of the obtainable cartilage zone of the physis was measured using two sequences (T1w-SE, T2 DESS-GE). The results were compared among each other and to the increasing age of the examined samples. The hyaline cartilage of the examined area could be clearly defined by the sequences used. Cartilaginous structures of the epiphyses and apophysis were considered to be well assessable with MRI. In young foals proximal to the physeal cartilage a zone of provisional calcification could be documented whereas a hypointense epiphyseal subchondral bone plate was visible adjacent distally. In adult horses physeal scars in that region of the growthplate were clearly detectable. The sample materials could be classified into 5 groups due to age related varieties. With the help of a correlation analysis a strong connection between the age of the evaluated individuals and the decreasing thickness of the cartilaginous physis could be demonstrated. MR Imaging turns out to be an applicative method to assess the cartilaginous structures of the growth region of the distal radial bone of the horse.