J Vet Sci.  2008 Dec;9(4):395-400. 10.4142/jvs.2008.9.4.395.

Evaluation of partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture with positive contrast computed tomographic arthrography in dogs

• Han S
• Cheon H
• Cho H
• Kim J
• Kang JH
• Yang MP
• Lee Y
• Lee H
• Chang D

• KMID: 1104915
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2008.9.4.395

Abstract

Computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) of four cadaveric canine stifles was performed before and after partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture in order to verify the usefulness of CTA examination for the diagnosis of partial cranial cruciate ligament rupture. To obtain the sequential true transverse image of a cranial cruciate ligament, the computed tomography gantry was angled such that the scanning plane was parallel to the fibula. True transverse images of cranial cruciate ligaments were identified on every sequential image, beginning just proximal to the origin of the cranial cruciate ligament distal to the tibial attachment, after the administration of iodinated contrast medium. A significant decrease in the area of the cranial cruciate ligament was identified on CTA imaging after partial surgical rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. This finding implies that CTA can be used for assessing partial cranial cruciate ligament ruptures in dogs.

Keyword

arthrography; computed tomography; cruciate ligament; dog; rupture

MeSH Terms

Animals
Anterior Cruciate Ligament/*injuries/*radiography
Arthrography/methods/veterinary
Contrast Media/*pharmacology
Dog Diseases/*radiography
Dogs
Hindlimb
Predictive Value of Tests
Stifle/radiography
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods/*veterinary

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Lateral radiograph of the stifle showing the relationship between stifle angle and the cranial cruciate ligament. Metal landmarks implanted in the cranial cruciate ligament (arrow) are shown. The cranial cruciate ligament and the fibula cross at a right angle when the stifle is flexed at 90 degrees. Cr: cranial, Cd: caudal, F: femur, T: tibia.

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  Fig. 2 Photograph of the canine cadaveric stifle joint illustrating the cranial cruciate ligament. Experimental cranial cruciate ligament rupture is identified (arrow). L: lateral, M: medial.

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  Fig. 3 Two-millimeter sequential transverse computed tomographic arthrography images were scanned parallel to the fibula, femoral attachment (A), and tibial attachment (I). The cranial cruciate ligament (black arrow) transverse images and caudal cruciate ligament sagittal images (white arrow) were clearly identified. L: lateral, M: medial.

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  Fig. 4 Comparison of the pre-operative conventional view (A) and tracing view (C) with the post-operative conventional view (B) and tracing view (D). The transverse area of the cranial cruciate ligament image (black arrow) was decreased by 25% on the post-operative image. The small gas artifact (white arrow) was considered a normal finding. L: lateral, M: medial.

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