Computed tomographic features of incomplete ossification of the canine humeral condyle.
OBJECTIVE
To describe computed tomographic (CT) features of canine elbows with incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) and investigate co-existing incongruence in the elbow joint.


METHODS
Case control study.


METHODS
Dogs with IOHC (n=20; 38 elbows) and 25 normal elbows.


METHODS
Elbows with IOHC and normal elbows were assessed by CT. Standardized dorsal and sagittal reconstructions were created at 3 levels using image analysis software to obtain single measurements of the humero-radial and humero-ulnar joint spaces. On dorsal plane reconstructions, joint space measurements were obtained at the center point of the humero-radial and humero-ulnar articulations. Joint incongruity was defined as the difference between the humero-radial and the humero-ulnar joint spaces.


RESULTS
Nineteen dogs (95%), all Spaniel breeds, had either bilateral IOHC demonstrable as a saw-toothed intercondylar complete or incomplete hypoattenuating defect with hyperattenuating margins, or IOHC with contralateral humeral condylar fracture (HCF). Joint incongruity values for IOHC were compared with those of normal elbows. Significant differences were noted at the levels of the medial coronoid apex (P<.0001) and base (P<.004) indicative of humero-ulnar incongruence. Evidence of medial coronoid disease in 10 elbows (26%) and degenerative joint disease in 30 elbows (79%) was also found.


CONCLUSIONS
Presence of elbow incongruence may be an underlying factor in failure of ossification centers to fuse leading to IOHC.


CONCLUSIONS
IOHC is clearly defined by CT, and it should be considered in larger Spaniel breeds, with a chronic forelimb lameness or HCF.
Carrera
Ines
I
Institute of Comparative Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Hammond
Gawain J C
GJ
Sullivan
Martin
M
D000818:Animals; D001848:Bone Diseases, Developmental / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001947:Breeding; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011884:Radius / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D014457:Ulna / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology