Caracterização radiológica, ultrassonográfica e anatomopatológica da articulação metacarpofalangeana e ligamento suspensório equino

Abstract

The thesis was developed in the form of four manuscripts covering the metacarpophalangeal joint insertion of the suspensory ligament. A total of 131 specimens of thoracic distal limbs and 11 distal pelvic limbs were selected from horses with a mean age of 5.7 years old from a private clinic and/or assigned to the UFSM Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, who died due to different causes. Of these, 30 (22,9%) specimens showed no alterations in the metacarpophalangeal joint, 30 (22,9%) presented radiographic, ultrasonographic and anatomopathological alterations of the third metacarpal condyle and its collateral ligaments and the proximal insertion of the suspensory ligament of 45 (34,3%) thoracic and pelvic limbs of Crioulo and Thoroughbred. In addition, 37 (28,2%) specimens were submitted to histochemical evaluation of tendons, ligaments and articular cartilage. The relationship between the degeneration of the articular cartilage of the third metacarpal condyle and the collateral ligament collapses of the metacarpophalangeal joint was observed (r2=0,69; p<0,001). Ultrasonographic and morphological findings identified the difference between the components of the proximal insertion of the suspensory ligament between the Criollo breed and the Thoroughbred breed. In addition, the scarring process of tendons, ligaments and articular cartilage was characterized by histochemistry techniques. Similarly, the sensitivity of the ultrasound and radiographic techniques were correlated with the macroscopic technique. The macroscopic and histological aspects of the tendon, ligament and articular tissue as well as its alterations in relation to the size, shape, architecture, and echogenicity of the metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal insertion of the suspensory ligament served as a basis for the correct interpretation of the diagnostic techniques by image.