A modified tibial compression test for the detection of meniscal injury in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To assess diagnostic efficacy of a modified tibial compression test in predicting medial meniscal injury in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament failure.


METHODS
Dogs admitted for surgical stabilisation of stifles with cranial cruciate ligament failure were examined by five preoperative physical tests to assess medial meniscal injury. Results of each physical test were compared with findings at arthrotomy and used to calculate sensitivities, specificities, positive and negative predictive values.


RESULTS
None of the physical tests were accurate in reflecting meniscal integrity for dogs with cranial cruciate failure. Out of the five tests, the modified tibial compression test exhibited the highest concordance and sensitivity for the detection of medial meniscal tears. A palpable click during the modified tibial compression test had a sensitivity and specificity up to 63 and 77%, respectively, for the detection of medial meniscal lesions. Concordance values were up to 40% for the modified tibial compression test, followed by the range of motion test (up to 25%), while all other physical tests had concordance values below 10%.


CONCLUSIONS
Physical tests are highly available, affordable and can be easily performed, but their efficacy in diagnosing medical meniscal injury is low. Meniscal clicks associated with meniscal tears were more frequently elicited during the modified tibial compression test when compared with other traditional tests.
Northwest Surgeons, Sutton Weaver, Cheshire, WA7 3FW.
S
S
Valen
Northwest Surgeons, Sutton Weaver, Cheshire, WA7 3FW.
C
C
McCabe
Northwest Surgeons, Sutton Weaver, Cheshire, WA7 3FW.
E
E
Maddock
Northwest Surgeons, Sutton Weaver, Cheshire, WA7 3FW.
S
S
Bright
Northwest Surgeons, Sutton Weaver, Cheshire, WA7 3FW.
B
B
Keeley
D000818:Animals; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013264:Stifle / Q000293:injuries; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*