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Hazem Hamoda 1, Fahmy Gad Elsaid 2, Mamdouh Eldesoqui 3, Mai A AL-Mosaibih 4, Eman Fayad 5, Mohamed K Hussein 6, Mohamed A Hamed 7, Foad Farrag 8, Mohamed Abumandour 9, Mustafa Shukry 10, Mohamed Abdelmegeid 11, Abanoub T Yousef 1, Ahmed A Elolimy 12,*
Background
The anatomical complexity of the pes region in dromedary camels necessitates advanced imaging for diagnostic and educational purposes. Previous studies predominantly employed gross anatomical dissection and computed tomography (CT), leaving gaps in detailed soft-tissue visualization and three-dimensional reconstruction. This study aimed to provide comprehensive anatomical imaging of the pes region in Camelus dromedarius using CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography (US), and 3D volume-rendered CT (3DVR-CT), facilitating better understanding and diagnosis of distal limb conditions.
Methods
The study examined 16 pes regions from eight healthy adult male Arabian dromedaries (8–10 years old), acquired postmortem from a slaughterhouse. CT and 3DVR-CT scans were performed using a multi-slice scanner with fine-resolution settings. MRI was conducted with a 1.5 Tesla machine using T1-weighted sequences. US was carried out within 2–4 hours postmortem using a 5–8 MHz linear transducer in longitudinal and transverse orientations. Measurements and image interpretations focused on bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and digital cushions, and were compared across imaging modalities.
Results
CT scans revealed an incomplete fusion of the third and fourth metatarsal bones with an internal bony septum absent at the distal fifth. MRI clearly visualized soft tissue structures such as flexor and extensor tendons, joint ligaments, and digital cushions with varying signal intensities. US identified echogenicity differences among tendons and ligaments: the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) was consistently more echogenic than the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), and the suspensory ligament showed the highest echogenicity. The Manica flexoria and distal sesamoid bone were not detectable via CT or MRI. 3DVR-CT enabled comprehensive structural visualization of bones and joints from multiple angles, enhancing anatomical interpretation.
Limitations
The study was limited to cadaveric specimens, which may not fully replicate in vivo anatomical dynamics. Imaging sequences were restricted to T1-weighted MRI, possibly omitting signal characteristics revealed by other sequences. The sample size was modest and exclusively male, possibly limiting generalizability. Additionally, ultrasonography was performed ex vivo, which may affect echotexture and vascular visibility.
Conclusions
Advanced imaging techniques—particularly 3DVR-CT and MRI—are valuable tools for detailed anatomical evaluation of the camel pes region. The study establishes a foundational imaging atlas for veterinary clinicians and researchers, aiding in diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning. These findings highlight the utility of combining multiple imaging modalities to enhance structural understanding and disease detection in large ruminant distal limbs.
CT and MRI of the pes region of Camelus dromedaries. Sagittal images: CT of the pes region (Views A,B), CT of the distal end of the pes region (View C), and MRI of the pes region show the following structures: 1. tarsal bones; 2. large metatarsal bones; 3. trochlea of the metatarsal articular surface; 4. tubercle and depression on the abaxial aspect of the metatarsal head; 5. distal extremity of the metatarsal bones articulating with the third digit; 6. articular cartilage of the large metatarsal; 7. cancellous bone of the large metatarsal; 8. proximal sesamoid bones; 9. cortical bone of the proximal phalanx; 10. proximal phalanx; 11. middle phalanx; 12. distal phalanx; 13. fetlock joint; 14. pastern joint; 15. coffin joint; 16. Adipoelastic cushion; 17. SDFT; 18. deep digital flexor tendon; and 19. suspensory ligament. Dorsoplantar images, CT of the pes region (Views D,E), dorsal MRI at the level of the proximal sesamoid bone (View F), and dorsal MRI image at the distal end of the pes region (View G) reveal the following structures: 1. tarsal bone; 2. fused metatarsals; 3. distal extremities of the third metatarsal bones; 4. distal extremities of the fourth metatarsal bones; 5. intertrochlear notch; 6. proximal phalanx; 7. medullary cavity of the proximal phalanx; 8. middle phalanx; 9. distal phalanx; 10. fetlock joint; 11. pastern joint; 12. coffin joint; 13. articular cartilage; 14. adipoelastic digital cushion; 15. axial sesamoid bones; 16. abaxial sesamoid bones; 17. interosseous muscle; 18. axial part of the interosseous muscle; 19. abaxial part of the interosseous muscle; 20. axial collateral sesamoidean ligaments; 21. abaxial collateral sesamoidean ligaments; 22. straight sesamoidean ligaments; 23. deep digital flexor tendon; 24. SDFT; 25. axial collateral ligament of the fetlock joint; 26. abaxial collateral ligaments of the fetlock joint; 27. axial collateral ligament of the pastern joint; and 28. abaxial collateral ligaments of the pastern joint.
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