Cubital subchondral joint space width and CT osteoabsorptiometry in dogs with and without fragmented medial coronoid process.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate subchondral joint space width measurements (SJSW) and CT-osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM) measurements in the elbow of dogs with naturally occurring fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, and to compare these to normal dogs.


METHODS
Prospective randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Large breed dogs <1 year of age (n = 15).


METHODS
Arthroscopic FMCP debridement was performed, followed by randomization to a proximal ulnar ostectomy with IM pin (PUO). CTs were performed pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. CTOAM and SJSW measurements were acquired in 7 locations within the joint and compared to an age-matched normal control group. Pearson correlation was performed on SJSW and CTOAM measurements. A linear mixed model determined the effect of disease and treatment on SJSW and CTOAM measurements.


RESULTS
Fifteen dogs (28 elbows) with FMCP participated (11 arthroscopic FMCP removal, 17 with additional PUO). Data were normally distributed. Pearson correlation between CTOAM and SJSW measurements showed moderate to strong negative correlation in the control dogs. Preoperatively, affected elbows had lower medial compartment and higher lateral coronoid process CTOAM values than normal elbows. After treatment, CTOAM values of the medial compartment increased to normal. Treatment with PUO did not affect SJSW or CTOAM.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data agree with these previous studies suggesting lower subchondral plate mineralization in dogs affected by FMCP. Arthroscopy may result in higher CTOAM values secondary to increased loading.
Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Ursula
U
Krotscheck
Peter B
PB
Böttcher
Margret S
MS
Thompson
Rory J
RJ
Todhunter
Hussni O
HO
Mohammed
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007596:Joints / Q000473:pathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*