Computed tomographic assessment of tibial tuberosity position and width in normal, medium-sized dogs

To determine the width and location of the tibial tuberosity (TT) relative to the proximal tibial width (TW) on the transverse plane in normal dogs using CT with multiplanar reconstruction.

This study included cadaveric hind limbs from 11 adult dogs (22 tibiae) with no history or CT signs of orthopedic disease. Disarticulated pelvic limbs were scanned using a multidetector CT unit. Transverse images were reconstructed at the level of the TT. Three observers independently measured TW, TT width, and TT location (TTL) on the transverse plane, where TTL was defined as the distance from the medial tibial cortex to the center of the TT, expressed as a percentage of TW. Inter- and intraobserver variability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients.

The TT was located slightly medially, with a mean TTL of 48% (± 4%) relative to TW. The mean TT width was 30% (± 2%) of TW. All measurements demonstrated high inter- and intraobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9 for most parameters).

CT-based assessment of TT position is reliable and reproducible.

These anatomical references may assist preoperative planning for TT transposition procedures in dogs.