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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2018; 31(06): 452-457
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668115
Original Research
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Histological Comparison of Normal Canine Menisci

Sarah L. Pownder
1   MRI Laboratory, Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States
,
Kei Hayashi
2   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
,
Brian G. Caserto
3   Department of Pathology, VetPath Services, Stone Ridge, New York, United States
,
Ryan E. Breighner
1   MRI Laboratory, Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States
,
Mary L. Norman
2   Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
,
Hollis G. Potter
1   MRI Laboratory, Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States
,
Matthew F. Koff
1   MRI Laboratory, Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, United States
› Author Affiliations Funding The HSS MRI Laboratory receives institutional research support from General Electric Healthcare; however, no funding was provided for this study.
Further Information

Publication History

21 March 2018

09 June 2018

Publication Date:
22 October 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objective The purpose of this observational study was to establish normative data for the canine menisci using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods Ten fresh stifles from five normal male Beagles were obtained from animals with no known lameness. Conventional MRI and ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging were performed and T2* values calculated. Five stifles were assessed histologically.

Results The caudal horn of the medial meniscus had significantly prolonged T2* values (4.6 ± 1.27 ms; p = 0.002) as compared with the cranial horn of the medial meniscus (3.25 ± 0.86 ms), and the cranial (3.06 ± 0.54 ms) and caudal (3.64 ± 0.72 ms) horns of the lateral meniscus. Histology demonstrated normal tibial, femoral, interior and peripheral meniscal margins, and normal cellularity. The medial meniscus was noted to be obliquely oriented to the scan plane compared with the relatively perpendicular orientation of the lateral meniscus as compared with the bore of the magnet in a limb-extended orientation.

Clinical Significance Variability of MRI UTE T2* is seen in the normal canine meniscus, with prolongation of the caudal horn, medial meniscus. Prolongation may be due to magic angle effects, as the medial meniscus of the Beagle is not perpendicular to the axis of the main magnetic field. Canine meniscal injury is a common sequela to cruciate tear, and detecting meniscal damage is important for directing patient care. The non-invasive quantitative MRI technique of UTE imaging can be used for the evaluation of collagen orientation, while acknowledging inherent regions of prolongation.

Keywords

meniscus - MRI - UTE - T2* - canine

Author Contributions

Sarah L. Pownder, Kei Hayashi, Ryan E. Breighner and Matthew F. Koff contributed to conception of study, study design, and acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Brian G. Caserto and Mary Lou Norman contributed to acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Hollis G. Potter contributed to conception of study and acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.


 

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