Computed tomographic arthrography of the normal canine stifle.

Abstract

Computed tomographic (CT) imaging of eight normal cadaveric canine stifles was performed before and after intra-articular administration of iodinated contrast medium. Transverse CT images were reconstructed in dorsal, parasagittal, and oblique planes. The following ligamentous structures were identified on transverse CT images in all stifles: cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. The following ligamentous structures were identified on transverse computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) images in all stifles: cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, lateral meniscus, meniscofemoral ligament, cranial meniscotibial ligaments, caudal meniscotibial ligaments, intermeniscal (transverse) ligament, and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments. The patellar tendon was identified on transverse and reconstructed dorsal and sagittal CT and CTA images in all stifles. Multiplanar reconstructions enabled further evaluation of the continuity of the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments and menisci. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments were not clearly identified on CT or CTA multiplanar reconstructed images.