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The relationship between limb function and radiographic osteoarthrosis in dogs with stifle osteoarthrosis
Wanda J Gordon1, Michael G Conzemius, Elizabeth Riedesel
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Objective:
To evaluate the relationship between limb function and radiographic evidence of stifle osteoarthrosis (OA) in dogs.
Study Design:
The relationship between force platform data and radiographic OA score was evaluated on 2 separate days using regression analysis. Interday variation was also assessed.
Animals:
Forty-one dogs with visible lameness and radiographic evidence of stifle OA.
Methods:
Force platform data were collected at a velocity of 1.7 to 2.0 m/s for 5 trials on day 1 and day 8. Radiographs taken on day 1 were scored using a previously reported OA scoring system.
Results:
No significant relationship was found between force platform data and OA score. No significant differences were found between any day 1 and day 8 force platform values.
Conclusions:
Although radiographic evidence of stifle OA provides evidence of pathology, it does a poor job of representing limb function. In addition, the absence of significant differences between day 1 and day 8 values in this population of dogs supports use of only a single force platform evaluation before measuring a treatment effect.
Clinical Relevance:
The presence of OA in the stifle joint does not correlate with clinical function; radiographic outcome should be used cautiously as a predictor of clinical outcome.
