Sporthorse Medical Diagnostic Centre (SMDC) is proud to host the European module of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP). This event will take place from September 6th-8th 2018, at our facility in Heesch, The Netherlands. Registration is now open.

The ISELP strives to provide practitioners with contemporary knowledge and techniques in the continually evolving field of equine locomotor analysis, in order to aid the equine clinician to better understand and manage lameness conditions in the equine athlete.

This module covers the descriptive anatomy of the pelvis with a detailed description of the bones, joints, muscles, vessels and nerves using pictures of anatomical specimens and didactic drawings. Special emphasis is placed on the functional and clinical anatomy of the lumbosacroiliac area. A real time dissection of a prepared specimen demonstrates the concrete aspects of the anatomical structures considered in the module and is key to understanding the clinical diagnosis and ultrasound approach.

The functional anatomy and biomechanics of the sacroiliac, lumbosacral and coxofemoral joints is described in detail to provide insight into the etiopathogenesis of lesions responsible for low back pain and hip lamenesses. These data are essential for managing most of the bone, joint and muscle conditions of the pelvis with a rational rehabilitation program.

Diagnostic analgesic techniques for establishing the significance of pelvic lesions are discussed. Ultrasound guided techniques for performing local sacroiliac and lumbosacral injections as well as coxofemoral intra-articular injections is presented in detail.

A large part of the module is devoted to clinical cases presentations of pelvic conditions including a complete clinical examination (with pictures of the physical exam and videos of the horse manifestations), radiographic examination and ultrasound scans of the lesions using transrectal (internal) or external approaches. Some cases will demonstrate the interest of nuclear scintigraphy for the diagnosis of pelvic lesions. Interactive discussion of the prognosis as well as the treatment and management of the different conditions provide practical and immediately applicable knowledge.

The different conditions reviewed include: degenerative lumbosacral arthropathies (with intervertebral disc lesions and intertransverse joint arthropathy), degenerative sacroiliac arthropathies, fatigue and traumatic fractures of the ilium, pubis, ischium and acetabulum and coxofemoral arthropathies. Special emphasis is placed on the prognosis, treatment and rehabilitation program of the different conditions.

A live demonstration of the basic and advanced ultrasound techniques for the diagnosis of the different conditions of the pelvis is presented on Saturday. The ultrasonographic guided techniques to inject the lumbosacral, sacroiliac and hip joints are demonstrated and discussed.

The lecture, demo and wet lab (in English) will take place at Sporthorse Medical Diagnostic Centre in Heesch, The Netherlands. The ultrasonographic techniques shown in the lecture presentations will be demonstrated and taught during lectures by wetlab on a standing horse. The wetlab is scheduled on Saturday.