Computed tomography and radio-graphic assessment of congruity between the ulnar trochlear notch and humeral trochlea in large breed dogs

Sofia Alves-Pimenta; Mário M. Ginja; Armando M. Fernandes; António J. Ferreira; Pedro Melo-Pinto; Bruno Colaço

doi:10.3415/VCOT-16-03-0045

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2017; 30(01): 8-14
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-16-03-0045

Original Research

Schattauer GmbH

Computed tomography and radio-graphic assessment of congruity between the ulnar trochlear notch and humeral trochlea in large breed dogs

Authors

Sofia Alves-Pimenta

¹Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal

²CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
Mário M. Ginja

²CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal

³Department of Veterinary Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
Armando M. Fernandes

⁴INOV – INESC Inovação, Lisbon, Portugal
António J. Ferreira

⁵Clinical Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
Pedro Melo-Pinto

²CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal

⁶Department of Engineering, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
Bruno Colaço

¹Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal

²CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal

Abstract

Summary

Objective: Assess the fit between the ulnar trochlear notch (UTN) and humeral trochlea (HT) in elbow radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images by measuring the curvature radii in normal joints.

Methods: Mediolateral extended view (MLE) and CT were performed on 16 elbows from cadaveric dogs weighing over 20 kg. Curves were traced at the subchondral level from the UTN central ridge and the HT sagittal groove related to the UTN on ~132° joint extension. Curvature radii were achieved using appropriate computer software.

Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient between MLE/CT measurements were statistically significant, with lower limits of a 95% confidence interval (CI) >0.75. The mean differences between MLE/CT measurements were -0.71 mm (95% CI: -0.97 to -0.45) for UTN and -1.04 mm (95% CI: -1.21 to -0.87) for HT. The UTN and HT curvature radii typology were similar, with maximum radius values at the starting point and two intermediate peaks. The UTN curvature radii were bigger than the HT radii, with the largest differences in the most proximal aspect of the joint and in the second intermediate peak.

Clinical significance: To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on humeroulnar congruity through curvature radii evaluation. The software and methodology proposed enabled an adequate UTN and HT radii curvature assessment in MLE and CT images. Comparative studies in normal and dysplastic dogs of various breeds could better clarify the role of UTN and HT curvature radii in elbow incongruity and dysplasia.

Keywords

Elbow dysplasia - congruity - medial coronoid process - radiographic anatomy - computed tomography - canine - dog

Full Text

References

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