Radiographic, computed tomographic and arthroscopic findings in 23 dogs with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint

Abstract

Twenty-three dogs with osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint were evaluated by radiography, computed tomography (CT) and arthroscopy. The radiographic examination included an extended and flexed mediolateral, a plantarodorsal, a flexed dorsoplantar skyline view, and a plantaromedial-dorsolateral and a plantarolateral-dorsomedial view (two oblique views). The CT examination was carried out in ventral recumbency and 1 mm slices were taken with a bone window setting; 31 lesions were identified in the 46 joints examined. The arthroscopic exploration used either a plantar or a dorsal puncture, depending on the site of the lesion. In six cases the lateral, and in 17 cases the medial trochlear ridge was involved. Although the survey radiographs were sufficient to make a diagnosis, the CT examination helped to determine the exact site, and the number and size of the fragments of bone. A four-stage classification system comparable to the one used in man was established. Arthroscopy provided information about synovial inflammation and damage to the joint cartilage, and made it possible to remove fragments of bone from one-third of the cases.

Comparison of radiography and computed tomography to evaluate fractures of the canine tarsus

“…2,3,[5][6][7][8] The radiographic anatomy of the tarsus has been described; however, radiographic evaluation of the joint remains challenging, and may require stress radiographic views. [9][10][11] Compared to computed tomography (CT) imaging, radiography produces an image with superior detail due to a higher spatial resolution of 0.08-0.17 mm compared to 0.3-1.0 mm. 12,13 Disadvantages of using radiography to interpret complex joints include the superimposition of overlaying structures and relatively low contrast resolution.…”

Comparison of Clinical and Computed Tomographic Features Between Medial and Lateral Trochlear Ridge Talar Osteochondrosis in Dogs

“…Dogs were positioned in ventral recumbency on the CT‐scanning table with the tarsal joints in extension . A lateral and dorsoplantar scout‐view was acquired to confirm correct positioning and to prescribe the scan volume.…”

“…The trochlear ridge of the talus can be divided in a proximal, dorsal, and distal part (Fig ). In LTRT‐OC, the dorsal, dorsoproximal, or proximal part can be affected, whereas in MTRT‐OC, lesions occur mostly in the proximal part …”

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Conventional 2‐Dimensional and 3‐Dimensional Computed Tomography for Assessing Canine Sacral and Pelvic Fractures by Radiologists, Orthopedic Surgeons, and Veterinary Medical Students

“…Conventional 2‐dimensional computed tomography (2D‐CT) is commonly used to further classify pelvic fractures for surgical planning or when acetabular fractures are suspected . 2D‐CT allows reformatting of images in various anatomic planes to provide superior evaluation of the extent or exact location of a bony lesion; however, 2D‐CT often creates several hundred 2‐dimensional images, which can be difficult for the evaluator to mentally reconstruct into a 3‐dimensional object. In human trauma patients, volume rendered 3‐dimensional reconstruction of 2D‐CT images has enabled physicians to process 2D‐CT images into 3‐dimensional objects displaying complex relationships between fractured bones that can more easily be appreciated .…”