Use of Ultrasonography in Diagnosis of Medial Compartment Disease of the Elbow in Dogs

Abstract

Objective The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of medial coronoid process disease in unclear cases. Study Design Fifteen elbows (on thirteen dogs) for which radiography and computed tomography did not lead to a clear diagnosis of medial coronoid process disease were included. On each elbow, ultrasonography was performed with a high frequency linear transducer (12–18Hz). Then, arthroscopic examination of the joint was performed by a surgeon who was unaware of ultrasonographic findings to confirm medial coronoid process disease. Results At least one ultrasonographic lesion was detected in 13 out of 15 elbows. The main reported ultrasonographic lesions were joint effusion (10/15 elbows) and an abnormal shape of the medial coronoid process (irregular, ill-defined or fragmented) (9/15). Conclusion Ultrasonography can be a helpful additional diagnostic tool to confirm medial coronoid process disease of the elbow joint before performing arthroscopy in unclear cases. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the use of higher frequency transducers and determine if it could improve the diagnostic value of ultrasonography.