MR imaging of the equine distal tarsus - too much information?

In this issue, Biggi et al . (2012) report on the diagnostic findings and treatment outcome of 3 horses with lameness originating from the distal tarsus. In all horses an MRI was performed as an additional imaging modality to radiography to investigate lameness that improved following intra-articular analgesia of the centrodistal or tibio-tarsal joint. In addition to radiographic abnormalities
indicative of distal tarsal joint disease, MRI allowed the diagnosis of additional osseous and ligamentous lesions and provided much more information than perhaps initially anticipated.