Indications for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

Abbreviations
DBLPN: Deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve
DFTS: Digital flexor tendon sheath
PDN: Palmar/plantar digital nerve

The appropriate use and timing of diagnostic imaging techniques are essential in the successful management of complex lameness cases. Use of expensive techniques has to be carefully weighed against the potential of diagnostic findings to direct further treatment options. Financial considerations and potential anaesthetic risk factors have to be given extended consideration when performing high field magnetic resonance (MR) examinations due to the need for general anaesthesia and greater costs involved.

In our hands and with high field MR imaging typical indications have included pain from the proximal metatarsal(carpal) region not only to determine the best treatment approach for proximal suspensory desmitis (neurectomy/desmoplasty/fasciotomy/intralesional platelet rich plasma [PRP] or stem cells) but also to exclude other potential causes which may improve with regional analgesia (analgesia of the DBLPN/lateral palmar nerve) (Labens et al. 2010). [...]