Effect of Stifle Flexion Angle on the Repeatability of Real-Time Elastosonography of the Patellar Ligament in Medium- to Large-Breed Dogs

Abstract

Objective The aims of this study were to describe the elastosonographic findings of the patellar ligament in healthy dogs >15 kg in different positions and determine the most appropriate stifle angle to perform elastosonography of the patellar ligament.

Study Design Eighteen clinically healthy dogs, weighing >15 kg, were prospectively recruited. B-mode ultrasound and real-time elastosonography of both patellar ligaments were performed on days 0 and 14. Elastosonography examinations were performed with the stifle in four positions: standing position, lateral recumbency with the stifle positioned at 135 degrees extension and in full passive flexion and extension.

Results The percentage hardness of the patellar ligament was significantly lower when the elastosonographic examination was performed with the dog standing, compared with the other positions (p < 0.005). The variability in the elastosonography readings for each stifle position was lowest when the dog was standing (89.32%).

Conclusion Elastosonography is a feasible technique for evaluating the elasticity of the normal canine patellar ligament in dogs >15 kg and would be a useful technique for investigating the mechanical changes within the patellar ligament following stifle surgery. Elastosonography of the patellar ligament should be performed with the dog standing to provide the most accurate elastosonograms with lowest variability between readings.

Keywords

dogs - elastosonography - stifle - patellar ligament

Authors' Contributions

J.M. participated in study design, enrolment of dogs, co-ordination of imaging, performed the statistical analysis, drafted and critically reviewed the manuscript. M.L. participated in study design, performed the imaging studies and critically revised the manuscript. C.P. participated in study design, co-ordination of imaging and critically revised the manuscript. T.L. participated in study design, supervised and reviewed the imaging and critically revised the manuscript. L.R.M. participated in study design, performed histological analysis of the patellar tendons and critically revised the manuscript. H.B. participated in study design, provided advice and recommendations on statistical analysis and critically reviewed the manuscript. D.C. participated in study design and critically revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Publication History

Received: 03 March 2020

Accepted: 05 June 2020

Article published online:
17 September 2020

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