Comparison between high‐field 3 Tesla MRI and computed tomography with and without arthrography for visualization of canine carpal ligaments: A cadaveric study

Abstract

Objective To compare the quality of visualization of canine carpal ligaments by using computed tomography (CT), MRI, CT arthrography (CTA), and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA). Study design Prospective descriptive study. Study population Cadavers from dogs weighing more than 20 kg. Methods A 16‐slice CT scanner and a 3 Tesla MRI were used for the investigation. A dilute contrast medium was injected into the middle carpal and radiocarpal joints under fluoroscopic control, and CTA and MRA images were acquired. To evaluate the difference between imaging modalities, 3 observers graded carpal ligaments of clinical interest using a scale from 0 to 4 for their quality of visualization. Data were analyzed by using a random‐effect ordinal logistic regression with Bonferroni adjustment. The interobserver agreement was calculated by using the weighted Cohen's κ. Results Normal carpal joints (n = 9) were investigated. Magnetic resonance arthrography improved visualization of the majority of carpal ligaments compared with MRI (P < .05) and offered the best visualization overall. Magnetic resonance imaging and MRA offered better visualization compared with both CT and CTA (P < .05). There was no difference between CT and CTA. Interobserver agreement was discrete (0.2 < κ ≤ 0.4) for all observers. Conclusion Arthrography improved the capabilities of MRI but not of CT for visualization of the canine carpal ligaments. Magnetic resonance arthrography was particularly useful for evaluation of the stabilizers of the antebrachiocarpal joint. Clinical significance 3 Tesla MRA and MRI allow excellent visualization of the ligamentous morphology and may be helpful in the diagnostic process of carpal sprains in dogs.

Multi‐ligamentous injury of the carpus with dislocation of the ulnar styloid in a dog

“…In the present case, hyperextension was not present and was excluded clinically, whereas varus and valgus instability were detected. A previous study has indicated that advanced diagnostic imaging, including stress radiography, CT and MRI with or without arthrography, aids in determining the exact diagnosis and in better visualizing the injured structures 7 . In the present case, it was possible to detect moderate medial and mild lateral instability of the carpal joint and a slab fracture of the distal ulna with a combination of stress radiographs and CT images.…”

“…A previous study Mild decalcification of the radial and ulnar styloid processes and carpal bones has indicated that advanced diagnostic imaging, including stress radiography, CT and MRI with or without arthrography, aids in determining the exact diagnosis and in better visualizing the injured structures. 7 In the present case, it was possible to detect moderate medial and mild lateral instability of the carpal joint and a slab fracture of the distal ulna with a combination of stress radiographs and CT images. The clinically and radiographically detected instability in combination with the non-reducible distal ulna necessitated surgery.…”

Ultrasonographic anatomy of the dorsal region of the carpus of the dog

“…9 Additionally, the tendons of the ECR and the ECU could be followed until their insertion, which may be of clinical interest in the diagnosis of avulsion fractures 11 or enthesopathies. 17 Ligamentous injuries may lead to lameness, 4 bone luxation, 7 and carpal instability. Based on the authors' review of the literature the normal appearance of the dorsal ligaments -including the MCCL and LCCL -has only been reported using MRI.…”

“…Based on the authors' review of the literature the normal appearance of the dorsal ligaments -including the MCCL and LCCL -has only been reported using MRI. 4,5 A detailed guidance about their approach in the longitudinal plane was provided, which constitutes an advantage in comparison to MRI studies, since in this technique the oblique ligaments may not be entirely visible. Furthermore, in the in vivo phase of this study the scans were performed in slightly sedated or awake dogs with minimal physical restraint that represents another advantage in comparison with MRI.…”

“…These structures may be damaged by multiple causes [1][2][3] that lead to lameness of the forelimb. 4,5 Injuries of the ligaments, [6][7][8] tendons, 9 and other soft tissues of the dorsal region of the canine carpus have been reported. 10 Abbreviations: ABCJ, antebrachiocarpal joint; APL, abductor pollicis longus muscle; DRCL, dorsal radiocarpal ligament; ECR, extensor carpi radialis muscle; ECU, extensor carpi ulnaris muscle; EDC, extensor digitorum communis muscle; EDIetII, extensor digiti I and II muscle; EDL, extensor digitorum lateralis muscle; ER, extensor retinaculum; LCCL, lateral carpal collateral ligament; MCCL, medial carpal collateral ligament.…”