MRI coming to NEH

Magnetic resonance images are produced through interactions between a powerful magnet, a radiofrequency coil, magnetic field gradients and powerful computer software.  This imaging technique is non invasive, making it very safe for both patient and personnel, and MRI is now considered to be the gold standard means of imaging the equine distal limb.

A low field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system has been developed specifically for the equine veterinary market, enabling images of the distal limb to be acquired from horses standing under sedation.  With the use of motion correction software it is currently possible to image the forelimb up to and including the carpus (knee), and the hindlimb up to and including the tarsus (hock).

In the horse, abnormalities which may be detectable using MRI include ligament and tendon injuries, fractures, bone trauma and necrosis, osseous cyst-like lesions, articular cartilage damage, subchondral and trabecular bone modelling.  MRI is of particular use in imaging structures contained within the hoof capsule, as it is difficult to penetrate the hoof wall using any other imaging technique.

There is a huge quantity of information contained within a series of MR images.  In order to put this information into context, a detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the region of interest is required, together with experience of the normal variations that occur.  Not all abnormalities are associated with pain and lameness, and so the identification of abnormalities on MRI must be interpreted in the light of clinical findings during a full lameness investigation.

Installation of standing MRI is now underway at Newmarket Equine Hospital and will available from April 2009.  We are delighted that Meredith Smith MA VetMB CertES DipECVS MRCVS is overseeing the design and commissioning of the MRI suite and will be joining us full time at the end of March 2009 to take responsibility for scintigraphy and MRI.