Canine stifle positive contrast computed tomography arthrography for assessment of caudal horn meniscal injury: a cadaver study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of computed tomography (CT) arthrography in cadaveric canine stifles with particular emphasis on the diagnosis of meniscal injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cadaver study.

SAMPLE POPULATION: Pelvic limbs from adult Beagles (n=10).

METHODS: After survey CT scan of each stifle oriented in the dorsal plane, positive contrast stifle CT arthrogram (CTA) was performed using the same slice orientation. Each stifle was then randomly allocated into 1 of 2 treatment groups: group A--arthrotomy, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) transection and simulated injury to the caudal horn of the medial meniscus; group B--arthrotomy and CCL transection only. CT scan was repeated as before and post-arthrotomy images were interpreted by a radiologist unaware of treatment grouping.

RESULTS: The cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, medial and lateral menisci, menisco-femoral ligament, and long digital extensor tendon were all identifiable on CTA images. CTA was 90% sensitive and 100% specific for diagnosing simulated caudal horn meniscal injury.

CONCLUSIONS: Stifle CTA enables identification of intra-articular structures within the stifle and is a reliable method for identifying simulated meniscal injuries in a cadaver model.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CTA imaging of the canine stifle has potential clinical value for detection of meniscal injury.