Comparative imaging of canine shoulder osteochondrosis lesions

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Over the last several years, papers have been published describing imaging techniques for the canine shoulder joint using both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, with osteochondrosis lesions being described to varying degrees. This prospective study directly compared radiographs, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging, to arthroscopic findings of a larger, clinically affected, population of dogs with osteochondral lesions. The findings of this study determined the diagnostic accuracy of radiographic, ultrasonographic, and magnetic resonance imaging in canine shoulder osteochondrosis. These findings enable the clinician to objectively choose the most effective imaging modality or modalities in order to obtain a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis of shoulder osteochondrosis to help determine and plan surgical treatment. The amount of information needed will depend on the patient, the surgeon and the surgical technique utilized for the treatment of canine shoulder osteochondrosis. Overall magnetic resonance imaging had the strongest correlation to the surgically identified lesion. A sagittal T2 or PD FAT SAT magnetic resonance sequence was the most useful modality at ruling out an osteochondral lesion and can be used to avoid an exploratory arthroscopic surgery of the canine shoulder.