Computed tomography arthrography`s diagnostic value regarding ruptured cranial cruciate ligament and meniscal tears in dogs.

Abstract

In the canine stifle there are four ligaments that passively stabilize the joint: the cranial cruciate, caudal cruciate, medial collateral and lateral collateral ligaments. In large breed and adult dogs, cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCL) is the most common cause of stifle lameness and the leading cause of degenerative joint disease. The exact aetiopathogenesis of this condition in dogs is unknown. Normally, the degeneration of the ligament first leads to a partial rupture which progresses to a complete rupture following trauma. Stifle instability, secondary to cranial cruciate ligament rupture, leaves the menisci vulnerable to damage. These pathologies are often detected by radiographs and clinical findings, such as: the positive cranial drawer test, the tibial compression test and an increase in the volume of synovial fluid. However, the use of advanced imaging studies allows us to obtain a more precise and accurate diagnosis of the joint situation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been defined as the “gold standard” method for evaluating the non-bony structures of the knee joint, but there are few studies with interesting results on the use of computed tomography arthrography (CTA) in the absence of MRI. In this study, the total or partial rupture of the cruciate ligaments, their thickness, shape and attenuation, as well as their origin and insertion, have been assessed. In addition, the different menisci have been interpreted to differentiate their edges, attenuation, shape and rule out signs of fissure, rupture or folds of these.