A study of the anatomy and injection techniques of the ovine stifle by positive contrast arthrography, computed tomography arthrography and gross anatomical dissection

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Anatomy of the Ovine Stifle

“…In ovine stifles, a characteristic anatomic landmark on MRI scans is the common tendon of the long digital extensor, peroneus tertius, and medial digital extensor muscles () which does not occur in people. It is clearly visible on the lateral aspect of the joint and has been described . It originates proximally and is inserted on the distolateral aspect of the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur.…”

“…To highlight synovial anatomy, the common joint cavity was injected with liquid: to ensure adequate positioning of the needle and injection at the correct location, it was performed under fluoroscopic guidance with contrast agent. A paraligamentous technique was used: a 21G, 1½″ needle was inserted along the medial aspect of the patellar ligament at mid‐distance between its distal and proximal insertions. Radiopaque contrast solution (10 mL:7.5 mL melamine and sodium ioxaglate [Hexabrix 320, Guerbet, Villepinte, France] mixed with 2.5 mL saline) was injected with minimal pressure into the joint.…”

“…According to others, the TIL was only present in a limited number of Texel sheep and it was suggested that variations exist between breeds or individuals similar to the anterior intermeniscal ligament in people . In that population of sheep, the insertion of the craniomedial bundle of the cranial cruciate ligament was caudal to the cranial attachment of the medial meniscus, and in consequence, was caudal to the TIL when this was present …”

“…Surgical arthroscopy of the femoropatellar joint has been described . The internal anatomy and injections of synovial cavities have been investigated using contrast radiography, computed tomography (CT), and gross anatomic dissection . Some discrepancies exist between descriptions of the insertion sites of the cranial attachment of the medial meniscus (meniscotibial ligament).…”

“…Allen describes a transverse intermeniscal ligament (TIL) that joins the cranial horn of the medial meniscus to the cranial horn of the lateral meniscus; the craniomedial bundle of the cranial cruciate ligament inserts cranially to the TIL . According to others, the TIL was only present in a limited number of Texel sheep and it was suggested that variations exist between breeds or individuals similar to the anterior intermeniscal ligament in people . In that population of sheep, the insertion of the craniomedial bundle of the cranial cruciate ligament was caudal to the cranial attachment of the medial meniscus, and in consequence, was caudal to the TIL when this was present …”