Curvature Radius Measurements From the Ulnar Trochlear Notch in Large Dogs

Effect Of Elbow Angle And Weight-Bearing On The Evaluation Of Joint Congruence In Dogs

Joint congruence is relevant for the assessment of elbow dysplasia, a development disorder in dogs. However, quantification of its variation with joint angle and weight bearing, important factors in quadrupedal locomotion, is lacking. Our objective was to estimate those effects on the alignment of humeroradioulnar joint surfaces. The usual protocol for screening elbow dysplasia, including mediolateral extended and flexed elbow views, was preceded by a weight-bearing lateromedial standing radiographic view, without sedation. Minimum distances were measured at established points of the humeroradioulnar joints classified with a grade zero of dysplasia. Sixty elbows (30 Portuguese Pointer dogs) were studied. The joint space between the anconeal process and the ulnar trochlear notch increased with flexion, decreasing with weight bearing (P<0.001). The distance between the humeral trochlea and the trochlear notch at the widest point, increased with weight bearing, while it decreased with flexion. Step and distance between the radial head and the base of the medial coronoid process increased with flexion and decreased with weight bearing. At this point, physiological changes occurred at the humeroulnar joint space. The methodology allowed to quantify the variations on joint spaces with the elbow angle and weight bearing, important for the interpretation of congruence in diagnosis and treatment of dysplasia. Reference absolute and indexed values obtained allow future comparisons with other breeds and dysplastic dogs. Physiological variations denoted that radioulnar joint became more incongruent under flexion, and more congruent under weight bearing, while humeroulnar joint became more congruent under flexion, and more incongruent under weight bearing.

Radiographic determination of humeroradial, humeroulnar, and radioulnar subluxation indices to quantify elbow incongruence in dogs confirmed to have medial coronoid disease

Medial coronoid disease and elbow incongruence are common orthopedic problems causing forelimb lameness in large breed dogs. Therefore, the objective of this retrospective clinical study is to radiographically quantify the incongruity of humeroradial, humeroulnar, and radioulnar joints in dogs with confirmed medial coronoid disease compared to controls. Sixty-six (93 elbows) control and 73 (113 elbows) diseased Labrador and Golden Retrievers were enrolled. Our objective was achieved by measuring the central humeroradial, humeroulnar, and radioulnar distances and calculating the corresponding subluxation index of each joint on the extended mediolateral elbow radiograph. The traditional radioulnar step was also measured on the same mediolateral projection. Variables were compared between control and diseased groups, and the significance level was P < .05. The central humeroradial, humeroulnar, and radioulnar distances and corresponding subluxation indices increased significantly (P ≤ .007) in elbows with confirmed medial coronoid disease compared to controls. Radioulnar step increased significantly (P < .0001) in diseased elbows. Elbow incongruence, manifested by increased humeroradial, humeroulnar, and radioulnar subluxation indices, appeared to be consistent with medial coronoid disease in Labrador and Golden Retrievers. An elbow with a humeroradial, humeroulnar, or radioulnar subluxation index >0.15, 0.10, or 0.14, respectively, or radioulnar step >1.4 mm, is more likely to be incongruent and may have a concomitant coronoid disease. However, future validation of the reported measurements is still warranted.

Radiographic assessment of humeroulnar congruity in a medium and a large breed of dog

Elbow joint incongruity is recognized as an important factor in the development, treatment, and prognosis of canine elbow dysplasia. Elbow incongruity has been measured based on radiographic joint space widths, however these values can be affected by the degree of elbow joint flexion. Recent studies have reported radiographic curvature radii as more precise measures of humeroulnar congruity in dogs. The aim of this prospective observational study was to describe radiographic curvature radii measured from flexed and extended elbow radiographs for a sample of dogs representing a medium breed (Portuguese Pointing Dog) and a large breed (Estrela Mountain Dog). The curvature radii from the ulnar trochlear notch and humeral trochlea were measured in 114 mediolateral elbow extended radiographic views (30 Portuguese Pointing Dog and 27 Estrela Mountain Dog), and 84 mediolateral flexed views (22 Portuguese Pointing Dog and 20 Estrela Mountain Dog). The sampled animals' ages ranged from 12 to 84 months (34.6 ± 17.8 months). Good agreement was observed between curvature radii measurements for flexed vs. extended views in both breed groups. Ulnar trochlear notch curvature radii measurements were greater than humeral trochlea curvature radii measurements in both breed groups. Both curvature radii were greater in the large-breed dog group vs. the medium-breed dog group. Both breed groups had ulnar and humeral curves with similar typology. However, the large breed group had greater intermediate differences between the humeroulnar surface curvature radii. Results from this study supported the use of curvature radii as measures of humeroulnar congruity in mediolateral flexed elbow radiographs of medium and large breed dogs.

Computed tomography and radiographic assessment of congruity between the ulnar trochlear notch and humeral trochlea in large breed dogs

OBJECTIVE

Assess the fit between the ulnar trochlear notch (UTN) and humeral trochlea (HT) in elbow radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images by measuring the curvature radii in normal joints.

METHODS

Mediolateral extended view (MLE) and CT were performed on 16 elbows from cadaveric dogs weighing over 20 kg. Curves were traced at the subchondral level from the UTN central ridge and the HT sagittal groove related to the UTN on ~132° joint extension. Curvature radii were achieved using appropriate computer software.

RESULTS

Intraclass correlation coefficient between MLE/CT measurements were statistically significant, with lower limits of a 95% confidence interval (CI) >0.75. The mean differences between MLE/CT measurements were -0.71 mm (95% CI: -0.97 to -0.45) for UTN and -1.04 mm (95% CI: -1.21 to -0.87) for HT. The UTN and HT curvature radii typology were similar, with maximum radius values at the starting point and two intermediate peaks. The UTN curvature radii were bigger than the HT radii, with the largest differences in the most proximal aspect of the joint and in the second intermediate peak.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on humeroulnar congruity through curvature radii evaluation. The software and methodology proposed enabled an adequate UTN and HT radii curvature assessment in MLE and CT images. Comparative studies in normal and dysplastic dogs of various breeds could better clarify the role of UTN and HT curvature radii in elbow incongruity and dysplasia.