title: Predicting the need for trochleoplasty in canine patellar luxation using pre- and intra-operative assessments of trochlear depth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of ultrasonographic femoral trochlear depth measurements and to compare ultrasonographic and intra-operative evaluations of femoral trochlear depth for predictive value in selecting trochleoplasty.
  
  
  METHODS
  Repeatability and reproducibility of an ultrasonographic protocol were tested in a preclinical cadaveric study. Clinical patients undergoing corrective surgery for patellar luxation were evaluated preoperatively with ultrasound and intra-operatively using a depth gauge. Measurements were assessed for equivalence using linear regression, and agreement between decisions made based on these measurements assessed using Cohen's kappa.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although ultrasonographic and intra-operative measurements were in broad agreement, the prediction interval was too wide for clinical use. There was no significant agreement between predictions of the need for trochleoplasty using various cut-off values for the two measurements, nor between these and the surgeon's decision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on our observations, use of ultrasound for evaluation of the femoral trochlea remains a largely qualitative assessment. A simpler and more direct objective measure of femoral trochlear adequacy is required for intra-operative use.
authors.forename: Julie Skovgaard Orthmand
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lindeblad
authors.forename: Lene
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Buelund
authors.affiliation: James Miles, Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark, Phone: +45 20570840, E-mail: jami@sund.ku.dk.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Miles
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000662:veterinary*; D010329:Patella / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D031222:Patellar Dislocation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Patellar luxation; agreement; repeatability; trochleoplasty; ultrasound