DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING AND SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF LATERAL COLLATERAL
LIGAMENT DESMITIS OF THE ELBOW JOINT IN A JUMPING MARE
Abstract
A 13-year-old Belgian jumping mare was presented with acute onset of
severe left forelimb lameness after a jumping competition. Radiographic
images showed the presence of periosteal new bone formation on the
lateral radial eminence, while ultrasonographic images revealed a severe
injury of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow associated with
severe proliferative synovitis of the humeroradial joint. The
rehabilitation program consisted of hand walking for five weeks and
progressive increase of controlled exercise duration for an additional
16 weeks. Therapeutic ultrasound and pulsed electromagnetic field were
also applied. Repeated radiographic and ultrasonographic images after
six weeks showed inactivity of the insertional pathology (smooth outline
and homogenous radiopacity), marked improvement in the echogenicity and
fibrillary pattern, reduction in size, resolution of the oedema, and
joint distension. No signs of elbow osteoarthritis were detected. The
horse retuned to its normal activity 22 weeks after the time of
diagnosis. Injuries of the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow are
rare and are frequently reported as traumatic and with poor prognosis.
This case demonstrated that a severe lesion can result in a favorable
prognosis for return to athletic activities with correct diagnosis and
appropriate therapeutic multimodal approach.