A preliminary investigation of the methodology and feasibility of percutaneous electroarthrography in predicting osteoarthritis of the equine fetlock

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges of percutaneous electroarthrography (EAG) of the equine fetlock joint that may be applicable to future use as a diagnostic tool for osteoarthritis. Twenty-three distal-forelimb specimens from 12 horses were utilized. EAG signals were acquired from the metacarpophalangeal joint, via surface electrodes, while a materials testing system applied compressive-load sequences to simulate standing and walking gaits. Articular cartilage in each joint was evaluated by macroscopic and histologic scoring. The efficacy of EAG-coefficient values to predict cartilage scores was analyzed. The initial percutaneous-EAG protocol was revised as indicated. Protocol modifications improved the EAG-data quality and the ability of EAG coefficients to predict macroscopic and histologic scores. However, direct correlation of EAG coefficients with respective articular-cartilage scores was not confirmed. Further testing is required to assess percutaneous EAG as a potential noninvasive diagnostic technique for equine osteoarthritis. Protocol modifications from this study should be adopted for future testing.