[Radiologic quantification of the elbow conformation with a new method for acquiring standardized x-rays under load. Reference valus for medium sized and large dogs without dysplasia of the elbow joint].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a new radiographic and measurement technique for use in the canine elbow (putting axial load on the joint during radiography and obtaining objective quantification of the resulting joint conformation), assess its reliability in relation to positioning artifacts and repeat measurements as well as to establish reference values. A radiographic technique for quantifying the radioulnar congruence or incongruence under load in vivo was to be developed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 27 dogs free of lameness, radiographs of 47 elbow joints with or without load (medio-lateral, cranio-caudal; anaesthetised dog in lateral recumbency), as well as radiographs with the animal standing (cranio-caudal) were examined. Digital measurements of the subchondral jointspace-width, subchondral bone-width and an angle were taken.

RESULTS

Reproducible length and angle measurements of anatomical landmarks in the elbow joint were obtained. By normalizing the length measurements parameters it was possible to compare radiographs taken from three different views in an animal as well as from different animals. Measurements from radiographs taken in a standing position correlated with those taken with or without load, but displayed poor reliability. The values of the measured parameters in radiographs with or without load showed a small range of dispersion, thus enabling the establishment of reference values. The examined reliabilities were significant for several parameters.

CONCLUSION

Taking radiographs in the standing dog is not practical and cannot be used as a standard procedure for our measurement technique. However, using radiographs with or without load in lateral recumbency it is possible to accurately describe the canine elbow joint and compile a set of reference values in the narcotised animal. It may be possible to objectively describe unphysiologic incongruency and to adequately discriminate it from physiologic conditions.