Spectrum of computed tomographic findings in 58 canine elbows with fragmentation of the medial coronoid process.
OBJECTIVE
To describe in detail the computed tomographic findings in elbows of dogs with fragmentation of the medial coronoid process of the ulna.


METHODS
Retrospective review of computed tomographic images of 58 elbows that had displaced medial coronoid process fragment(s), non-displaced medial coronoid process fragment or a stable fissure in the articular cartilage of the medial coronoid process at arthroscopy.


RESULTS
Bone fragments were observed in 85 per cent elbows with a displaced fragment at arthroscopy, in 18 per cent elbows with a non-displaced fragment and in 29 per cent elbows with a stable fissure. Fissures in the subchondral bone were observed in computed tomographic images of 43 per cent elbows that had a stable fissure at arthroscopy. Abnormal shape, sclerosis and lucency affecting the medial coronoid process, subchondral sclerosis of the ulna and humerus, irregular radial incisure of the ulna and periarticular osteophytes were observed in a similar proportion in dogs regardless of the arthroscopic findings. Kissing lesions affecting the medial aspect of the humeral condyle were mainly associated with displaced fragments. Signs of joint incongruity were observed in dorsal and sagittal reconstructed computed tomographic images in 24 per cent elbows.


CONCLUSIONS
A wide range of abnormalities may be observed in computed tomographic images of dogs with fragmented medial coronoid process. Computed tomographic is moderately sensitive for detection of fragments.
Groth
A M
AM
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA.
Benigni
L
L
Moores
A P
AP
Lamb
C R
CR
D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D007596:Joints / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*