Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosing and Managing Deep Digital
Flexor Tendinopathy in Equine Athletes: Insights, Advances, and Future
Directions
Abstract
Deep digital flexor tendinopathy is a significant cause of lameness and
poor performance in equine athletes with substantial implications for
their return to athletic performance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
is increasingly integrated into the diagnostic workup of horses with
foot pain and has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of these
injuries. This review discusses the principles of MRI in the context of
DDFT injury, comparing high-field and low-field systems, and
highlighting the clinical relevance of technical parameters including
field strength and sequence selection in achieving an accurate diagnosis
and prognosis. It also evaluates the complementary role of computed
tomography and ultrasonography in cases where MRI may not be feasible
and discusses emerging imaging techniques, including PET-MRI and
quantitative MRI. This paper underscores the importance of serial
imaging to monitor lesion progression and guide rehabilitation, while
identifying knowledge gaps and proposing future research directions.
Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach incorporating advanced imaging
modalities and tailored rehabilitation is essential to improving
clinical outcomes in horses with DDFT injuries.