Equine Elbow Radiographs

Question 1

The elbow joint is formed by what?

Answer 1

the humerus, radius, and ulna

Question 2

Why is it difficult to radiograph the humerus, radius, and ulna in a standing horse?

Answer 2

because of its proximity to the ventral body wall, size and the difficulty of positioning the cassette

Question 3

Although often not feasible what is preferred for taking elbow radiographs in equine?

Answer 3

general anesthesia

Question 4

With the patient anesthetized and placed in lateral recumbency, the limb can be abducted and extended away from what for radiography?

Answer 4

body wall

Question 5

If the fracture has marked displacement of the fragments or the joint disease is chronic with marked new bone production, what type of x-ray unit should be able to produce a diagnostic study?

Answer 5

portable

Question 6

Certain lesions of the olecranon are clearly identified on the lateral projection because tissue thickness is _____ and the resulting film quality is better.

Answer 6

minimal

Question 7

Olecranon injury is difficult to evaluate in what view?

Answer 7

craniocaudal

Question 8

Why is olecranon injury difficult to evaluate in craniocaudal view?

Answer 8

because tissue thickness is much greater and patient movement is a problem

Question 9

Which radiographic view of the olecranon is greatly under-utilized and assists greatly in diagnosis of injury to the structure?

Answer 9

skyline (proximodistal)

Question 10

What are the standard views with the horse standing?

Answer 10

craniocaudal and medial-lateral

Question 11

What are some optional/alternative views?

Answer 11

Lateromedial, Mediolateral through thoracic cavity, Craniocaudal (recumbent), Mediolateral (recumbent), Oblique’s, PRoximodistal (skyline or flexor) view of the olecranon

Question 12

Views of the opposite limb for comparisons are done how often?

Answer 12

rarely

Question 13

What cassette size should be used?

Answer 13

largest size that can be positioned

Question 14

A large cassette enables visualization of the greatest area, yet, it may be necessary to use a smaller cassette to obtain what?

Answer 14

the cassette positioning required

Question 15

A cassette holder can be used for views made with the horse doing what?

Answer 15

standing

Question 16

Using a grid or gridded cassette will greatly ____ the quality of the x-ray by removing scatter radiation IF you can line up the x-ray beam _______ to the cassette and IF the x-ray machine has adequate settings available.

Answer 16

improve, perpendicular

Question 17

Markers include what?

Answer 17

right or left limb

Question 18

Standing standard views include what?

Answer 18

mediolateral and craniocaudal

Question 19

For the cranial caudal view, the affected limb should be extended how?

Answer 19

as far cranial as possible

Question 20

For the cranial caudal view, the long edge of the cassette is pressed firmly again the thorax at the caudal aspect of what joint?

Answer 20

elbow

Question 21

For the cranial caudal view, with the cassette pressed into the rib cage, the medial portion of the elbow should be in what?

Answer 21

the field of view

Question 22

For the cranial caudal view, angling the cassette allows a larger portion of the what surface to be captured on the radiograph

Answer 22

medial

Question 23

For the cranial caudal view, center the primary beam perpendicular to the cassette through the center of the joint to what part of the cassette?

Answer 23

middle

Question 24

For the cranial caudal view of the elbow, position the horse with the front limbs slightly _____ to separate the elbow from the thoracic musculature

Answer 24

abducted

Question 25

Another method used for the cranial caudal view of the elbow has the foot positioned 8 to 10 inches off the floor and the elbow is partially ______ from the chest wall

Answer 25

separated

Question 26

Due to the conical shape of the horse’s chest, it may not be possible to press the cassette sufficiently far in to include what?

Answer 26

the medial joint space