RADIOGRAPHIC AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE CANINE INTERCONDYLAR FOSSA IN NORMAL STIFLES AND AFTER NOTCHPLASTY IN STABLE AND UNSTABLE STIFLES

Inter- and Intra-Observer Variations in Radiographic Evaluation of Pelvic Limbs in Yorkshire Terriers with Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Patellar Luxation

The main aims of the study were to describe bone alignment differences in Yorkshire Terriers (YT) with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR), patellar luxation (PL), or with a combination of both (CCLR + PL); to verify the theory of increased strain on cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) due to PL as a predisposing factor; and to evaluate intra- and inter-observer variability of the protocols developed for measurement of femoral and tibial alignment in Yorkshire Terriers. Fifty-five hindlimbs of YT were divided into four groups: Control, CCLR, PL, and CCLR + PL. Thirty parameters were radiographically evaluated including hip joint, femoral, tibial, and intercondylar fossa (ICF) parameters. Three observers evaluated all parameters on two separate occasions with a twelve-week interval between measurements. Significant differences in conjunction with CCLR and PL theories between groups were noticed in: Norberg angle (NA), quadriceps angle (Qa), anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), femoral varus (FVA), mechanical cranial proximal tibial angle (mCrPTA), mechanical caudal proximal tibial angle (mCdPTA), tibial plateau angle (TPA), distal tibial axis/proximal tibial axis angle (DPA). Some interesting findings are the similarity of values between Control and CCLR vs. CCLR + PL and PL groups in Na, Qa, aLDFA; between CCLR + PL and PL in FVA and a significantly lower age of dogs in CCLR + PL compared to CCLR group. Based on our results, we can conclude that YT with different clinical findings have differing bone morphology. Moreover, these findings may support PL as a predisposing factor for CCLR in small breeds. Measurements in which excellent inter- observer agreement was achieved may be used for surgical planning or for further discussions.

Observer variation in the evaluation and classification of severe central tarsal bone fractures in racing Greyhounds

OBJECTIVES

To determine observer agreement on radiographic evaluation of central tarsal bone (CTB) fractures and compare this with evaluation of the same fractures using computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

Radiographs and CT scans were obtained of the right tarsi from limbs of Greyhounds euthanatized after sustaining severe CTB fracture during racing. Four observers described and classified each fracture. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were calculated.

RESULTS

Inter-observer agreement was higher for assessment of fractures using CT. Several fractures assessed by radiography were misclassified as a less severe type. Intra-observer agreement for assessment and classification of CTB fractures via radiography versus CT was variable. Overall agreement among all four observers was higher for CT than radiography. Additionally, when identifying fractures of the adjacent tarsal bones, observer agreement was higher for CT than radiography.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Computed tomography improved observer ability to correctly evaluate CTB fracture and detect the degree of displacement and extent of any comminution. Identification of fractures of adjacent tarsal bones was also improved when tarsi were assessed using CT. These data suggest that treatment decisions based solely on radiographic assessment of CTB fractures may not produce the expected outcome.

Diagnostic imaging of the canine stifle: a review

The stifle joint, a common location for lameness in dogs, is a complex arrangement of osseous, articular, fibrocartilaginous, and ligamentous structures. The small size of its component structures, restricted joint space, and its intricate composition make successful diagnostic imaging a challenge. Different tissue types and their superimposition limit successful diagnostic imaging with a single modality. Most modalities exploit the complexity of tissue types found in the canine stifle joint. Improved understanding of the principles of each imaging modality and the properties of the tissues being examined will enhance successful diagnostic imaging.

Morphometric characteristics of the pelvic limbs of Labrador Retrievers with and without cranial cruciate ligament deficiency

OBJECTIVE-To evaluate skeletal characteristics of pelvic limbs with and without cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency in Labrador Retrievers. ANIMALS-30 adult purebred Labrador Retrievers. PROCEDURES-Pelvic limbs (n = 28) of 14 dogs without CCL deficiency were classified as control limbs, whereas the limbs of 16 dogs with CCL deficiency were considered affected by (18 limbs) or predisposed to (10 contralateral limbs of dogs with 1 affected limb) CCL deficiency. Skeletal characteristics were evaluated via physical examination, radiography, and computed tomography. Radiographic and computed tomographic variables were compared among limb groups by use of a mixed-model ANOVA. RESULTS-The tibial plateau slope was steeper in CCL-deficient limbs but not in predisposed limbs, compared with the slope in control limbs. The angle between diaphyseal and proximal tibial axes was increased in both CCL-deficient and predisposed limbs. The relative width of the proximal portion of the tibia and the inclination of the patellar ligament did not differ among limb groups. The overall and distal femoral anteversion angles were greater in CCL-deficient and predisposed limbs, whereas the femoral condyle trochanteric angle was decreased in those limb groups, compared with findings in control limbs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE-Cranial angulation of the proximal portion of the tibia, excessive steepness of the tibial plateau, and distal femoral torsion appeared more likely to be associated with CCL deficiency than femoral angulation, tibial torsion, intercondylar notch stenosis, and increased inclination of the patellar ligament.

Pós-operatório tardio da substituição do ligamento cruzado cranial no cão

Realizaram-se avaliações radiográfica e clínica pós-cirúrgica tardia da substituição do ligamento cruzado cranial (LCCr) por fáscia lata autógena em casos de ruptura clínica em 14 cães, de ambos os sexos, com massa corporal média de 28,6kg e idade média de 68 meses. As articulações tratadas constituíram o grupo tratado e as contralaterais o grupo-controle, totalizando 28 articulações estudadas. O tempo médio entre o aparecimento dos sintomas e a cirurgia foi de cinco meses e 15 dias e o decorrido entre a cirurgia e a avaliação pós-cirúrgica, 14 meses. Deambulação normal foi vista em 57,1% e claudicação discreta em 32,9% dos casos tratados. Nestes foram observados crepitação, dor, redução da amplitude de movimento articular e do diâmetro da coxa. Ausência de claudicação foi vista em 92,8% dos casos-controle. Doença articular degenerativa foi verificada radiograficamente nos dois grupos. A técnica empregada para substituição do LCCr foi efetiva clinicamente. Os resultados radiográficos, as vezes, mostravam-se diferente dos clínicos. O resultado foi melhor nos pacientes cuja cirurgia foi realizada após curto período do inicio dos sintomas e o intervalo entre a lesão e o tratamento foi o fator que mais influenciou na recuperação pós-operatória.

Computed tomography in small animals – Basic principles and state of the art applications

Since its clinical introduction, computed tomography (CT) has revolutionized veterinary medicine and is considered to be one of the most valuable tools for the imaging work-up of neurological, oncological and orthopaedic canine and feline patients. In small animals with acute trauma, particularly those involving complex anatomic areas such as the head, spine or pelvis, CT has been established as a standard imaging method. With the increasing availability of radiation therapy in veterinary medicine, CT has also become the principal tool to stage a tumour, assess response, and guide radiation therapy. The increasing availability of helical CT in veterinary medicine has allowed novel techniques such as spiral CT angiography and high-resolution CT. This review provides a brief overview of the historical and technical development of CT and literature reviews of the major clinical CT applications in small animals such as intracranial and extracranial lesions, the spine, the appendicular skeleton, and abdominal and thoracic diseases.

Diagnostic imaging of lameness in small animals

The demand for advanced diagnostic imaging procedures such as nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. Veterinarians, seeking to improve their diagnostic capabilities and clients willing to pursue "best medicine" have driven this demand, resulting in installation of advanced imaging facilities at most academic and private referral practices. Knowledge of potential benefits of various modalities will allow the veterinarian to optimize his or her use of diagnostic imaging in his or her own practice or in a referral practice.

Diagnostic imaging of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common orthopedic problem in the small animal patient. In most cases, the degenerative changes in the joint are secondary to some predisposing cause. The objective of diagnostic imaging is to define the extent and nature of the degenerative changes and to identify the responsible underlying abnormality. To achieve this, appropriate imaging procedures should be used. Although conventional radiography is the most common method used to evaluate osteoarthritis, there has been an increase in the application of other imaging technologies during the past several years. These modalities can provide the clinician with additional information that can improve case management. The radiographic changes that accompany osteoarthritis are reviewed, and indications for the various imaging modalities are outlined. The causes and presentation of osteoarthritis of the major diarthrodial joints of the appendicular skeleton are described.