Radiographic Evaluation of Feline Appendicular Degenerative Joint Disease vs. Macroscopic Appearance of Articular Cartilage

Abstract

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is common in domesticated cats. Our purpose was to describe how radiographic findings thought to indicate feline DJD relate to macroscopic cartilage degeneration in appendicular joints. Thirty adult cats euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study were evaluated. Orthogonal digital radiographs of the elbow, tarsus, stifle, and coxofemoral joints were evaluated for the presence of DJD. The same joints were dissected for visual inspection of changes indicative of DJD and macroscopic cartilage damage was graded using a Total Cartilage Damage Score. When considering all joints, there was statistically significant fair correlation between cartilage damage and the presence of osteophytes and joint-associated mineralizations, and the subjective radiographic DJD score. Most correlations were statistically significant when looking at the different joints individually, but only the correlation between the presence of osteophytes and the subjective radiographic DJD score with the presence of cartilage damage in the elbow and coxofemoral joints had a value above 0.4 (moderate correlation). The joints most likely to have cartilage damage without radiographic evidence of DJD are the stifle (71% of radiographically normal joints) followed by the coxofemoral joint (57%), elbow (57%), and tarsal joint (46%). Our data support radiographic findings not relating well to cartilage degeneration, and that other modalities should be evaluated to aid in making a diagnosis of feline DJD.

Relationship of orthopedic examination, goniometric measurements, and radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease in cats

“…This discordance between pain and radiographic signs is in line with studies in humans, although in human studies the pain is generally self-reported [21-25]. The discordance between pain and radiographic signs may be partly explained by the discordance between radiographic signs and grossly assessed signs of joint degeneration, as highlighted recently in cats [15]. The higher values for SPEC and NPV than SENS and PPV suggest the absence of pain (and crepitus, effusion or thickening) can be used clinically to help rule out DJD with a high(er) degree of certainty.…”

“…Orthogonal radiographs of all joints and the spine were made under sedation using indirect digital flat panel imaging system (Canon Medical CXDI-50 G Sensor, Eklin Medical Systems, Santa Clara, CA). Criteria for evaluation of radiographic signs of feline appendicular joints and axial skeleton DJD were as previously described, [10] and based on the results of other studies that have evaluated the relationship between radiographic DJD and aspects of joint destruction [14,15]. Radiological features that were considered indicative of the presence of DJD in appendicular joints were: joint effusion, osteophytes, enthesophytes, joint-associated mineralization, sclerosis, subchondral bone erosions or cysts and presence of intraarticular mineralization.…”

“…Published information indicates that degenerative joint disease (DJD) is common in domesticated cats [1-15]. In humans, pain is the major clinical symptom in osteoarthritis (OA) and a key determinant for seeking medical care.…”

Low-field magnetic resonance imaging of changes after femoral osteosynthesis failure: a case report

“…In a radiographic examination, the symptoms of feline joint osteoarthritis are similar to the changes observed in other animal species, but in cats, osteophyte formation usually affects the hip joint. Joint-associated mineralisation is significantly more prevalent in cats than dogs (Freire et al 2011). Densification of the cancellous bone is observed at the insertion site of the ligament of the femoral head (Kamishina et al 2006).…”

Evaluation of serum cytokines in cats with and without degenerative joint disease and associated pain

“…Radiographic evidence of DJD is frequently accompanied by changes in mobility, activity, and social interactions (Lascelles et al, 2010a; Slingerland et al, 2011; Klinck et al, 2012), yet discrepancies exist between radiographic signs, orthopedic exam findings, and owner-reports of impairment (Bennett and Morton, 2009; Freire et al, 2011). Treatment options for this pervasive disease are lacking, in part due to the difficulty in accurately assessing pain and associated disability in cats.…”