Computed tomography versus arthroscopy for detection of canine elbow dysplasia lesions

Objective-To describe associations between computed tomography (CT) and arthroscopy in dogs with elbow dysplasia lesions. Study Design-Retrospective clinical study. Sample Population-Canine elbows (n = 101) investigated by CT and arthroscopy. Methods-CT scans were reviewed for 10 predetermined CT signs and graded for osteophyte size. Surgical reports were reviewed for specific disease features and cartilage erosion grades. Associations between variables were investigated with multivariate logistic regression and correlation between osteophyte size and cartilage erosion with Spearman's rank order correlation. Results-Medial coronoid process (MCP) fragment on CT was significantly associated with the arthroscopic identification of a displaced MCP fragment, cartilage erosion affecting the MCP, and cartilage erosion affecting the humeral condyle. Irregular radial incisure of the ulna on CT was significantly associated with the arthroscopic identification of cartilage erosion affecting the MCP. Osteophytes on CT were significantly associated with an abnormal arthroscopic examination. There was a moderately significant correlation between CT osteophyte grade and cartilage erosion grades for areas of the medial joint compartment (r(s)=0.44-0.48). Conclusion-Some CT signs are significantly associated with arthroscopic features of elbow dysplasia lesions in dogs; however, other CT signs were not associated with arthroscopic findings, and CT and arthroscopy can provide contradictory information. Osteophyte size is moderately correlated with cartilage erosion of the medial joint compartment. Clinical Relevance-CT can provide valuable information for the investigation of dogs with elbow dysplasia, but the absence of CT signs (or the absence of arthroscopic abnormalities) does not rule out elbow lesions. (C) Copyright 2008 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Spectrum of computed tomographic findings in 58 canine elbows with fragmentation of the medial coronoid process

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