Ultrasonography of the palmar metacarpus and pastern in the horse

INJURIES to the tendons and ligaments of the palmar metacarpus are common and of great economic importance to the equine industry. Prior to the development of diagnostic ultrasonography, the diagnosis of tendon injuries was based primarily on palpation. Ultrasonography has provided the equine clinician with a non‐invasive technique for assessing the type and extent of tendon damage and monitoring the progress of healing. This article describes the soft tissue anatomy of the palmar metacarpus and pastern and the ultrasonographic examination of injuries to the tendinous structures of these areas.