Canine stifle positive contrast computed tomography arthrography for assessment of caudal horn meniscal injury: a cadaver study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of computed tomography (CT) arthrography in cadaveric canine stifles with particular emphasis on the diagnosis of meniscal injury.


METHODS
Prospective cadaver study.


METHODS
Pelvic limbs from adult Beagles (n=10).


METHODS
After survey CT scan of each stifle oriented in the dorsal plane, positive contrast stifle CT arthrogram (CTA) was performed using the same slice orientation. Each stifle was then randomly allocated into 1 of 2 treatment groups: group A--arthrotomy, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) transection and simulated injury to the caudal horn of the medial meniscus; group B--arthrotomy and CCL transection only. CT scan was repeated as before and post-arthrotomy images were interpreted by a radiologist unaware of treatment grouping.


RESULTS
The cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral menisci, menisco-femoral ligament, and long digital extensor tendon were all identifiable on CTA images. CTA was 90% sensitive and 100% specific for diagnosing simulated caudal horn meniscal injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Stifle CTA enables identification of intra-articular structures within the stifle and is a reliable method for identifying simulated meniscal injuries in a cadaver model.


CONCLUSIONS
CTA imaging of the canine stifle has potential clinical value for detection of meniscal injury.
Tivers
Michael S
MS
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK. mtivers@rvc.ac.uk
Mahoney
Paul
P
Corr
Sandra A
SA
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament; D001175:Arthrography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002102:Cadaver; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries*; D006614:Hindlimb; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013264:Stifle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*