Comparison of palpation and ultrasonography findings in supraspinous ligaments of horses

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of palpation as a diagnostic tool for supraspinous ligament injuries in horses. Diagnosis of SSL injuries typically relies on a combination of clinical examination and ultrasonographic findings. To the authors' knowledge, no previous studies have specifically investigated palpation as a diagnostic measure for these injuries. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 126 horses resented to the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for back pathology. Inclusion criteria required horses to have a documented descriptive palpatory finding of the dorsal midline and a corresponding ultrasonographic examination of the SSL performed during the same visit. Palpable findings, including swelling, pain, temperature differences, and other abnormalities, were recorded. The location of ultrasonographic findings was categorized as either the thoracic or lumbar spine. Sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated and analyzed. Results: The study concluded that palpation is a highly sensitive but less specific method for assessing signs associated with supraspinous ligament pathology. It was found to be particularly useful for detecting swelling in the supraspinous ligament area of the thoracic spine. Discussion: As a sensitive method, a positive palpatory finding can indicate the possibility of SSL injury and warrants further ultrasonographic investigation.