Comparison of arthroscopic and radiographic abnormalities in the hip joints of juvenile dogs with hip dysplasia.
OBJECTIVE
To compare radiographic and arthroscopic abnormalities in juvenile dogs with clinically apparent hip dysplasia.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
52 dogs (70 hip joints) with clinical signs of hip dysplasia scheduled to undergo triple pelvic osteotomy.


METHODS
A ventrodorsal radiographic projection of the pelvis was evaluated by a radiologist unaware of clinical and arthroscopic findings, and radiographic osteoarthritic abnormalities were judged and scored as absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3). Arthroscopy was performed by a surgeon unaware of clinical and radiographic findings, and arthroscopic abnormalities were graded from 0 (normal) to 5 (exposed, eburnated subchondral bone).


RESULTS
In 30 of the 70 (43%) hip joints, no radiographic osteoarthritic abnormalities were seen. Severe, full-thickness articular cartilage lesions (grade 4) of the femoral head or acetabulum were seen arthroscopically in 14 (20%) joints. Lesions > or = grade 2 were seen in 60 (86%) joints. Partial tearing of the ligament of the femoral head was present in 57 (81%) joints, and complete rupture was seen in 5 (7%). Radiographic abnormalities were seen in 13 of the 14 (93%; 95% confidence interval, 66% to 99.8%) joints with grade 4 arthroscopic abnormalities but in only 23 of the 46 (50%; 95% confidence interval, 35% to 65%) joints with grade 2 or 3 arthroscopic abnormalities.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that radiography is not a sensitive method for identifying moderate cartilage lesions in juvenile dogs with hip dysplasia. If moderate cartilage lesions are an important prognostic indicator for the success of triple pelvic osteotomy, then methods other than radiography should be used to detect these lesions.
Holsworth
Ian G
IG
Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Schulz
Kurt S
KS
Kass
Philip H
PH
Scherrer
William E
WE
Beale
Brian S
BS
Cook
James L
JL
Hornof
William J
WJ
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D006619:Hip Dysplasia, Canine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007794:Lameness, Animal; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index