Computed tomographic arthrography of the normal canine elbow

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Radiology
• Comparative Anatomy
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Canine elbow joint dysfunction evaluation requires articular cartilage assessment.
• Contrast arthrography offers a noninvasive method for cartilage evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare positive contrast computed tomographic (CT) arthrography with histomorphometry for canine elbow cartilage thickness.
• To determine the optimal contrast medium concentration for CT arthrography.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two canine cadaver elbows underwent multidetector CT before and after iohexol administration at three concentrations.
• Articular cartilage thickness was measured using CT arthrography and compared to histologic specimens.

Main Results:

• CT arthrography measurements showed minimal bias (0.18-0.19 mm) compared to histomorphometry.
• No significant difference in measurement precision was found across image planes or contrast concentrations.
• A concentration of 75 mg I/ml resulted in larger measurements and greater bias.

Conclusions:

• CT arthrography effectively delineates canine elbow articular cartilage.
• The technique provides precise thickness measurements, slightly overestimating histomorphometry.
• CT arthrography is a reliable tool for assessing canine elbow cartilage, irrespective of imaging plane, contrast concentration, or location.