Diagnosis of Orthopedic Fractures Using Craniodorsal-Caudoventral Oblique and Caudodorsal-Cranioventral Oblique Radiographic Views Made at 45° to the Frontal Plane in Four Wild Turtles

Abstract

Abstract Four wild chelonians (two three-toed box turtles [Terrapene triunguis] and two red-eared sliders [Trachemys scripta elegans]) were presented to an academic wildlife rehabilitation center after presumably being hit by a car. Physical examinations revealed various carapace, bridge, and plastron fractures, as well as a lack of motor function of different limbs. A craniodorsal-caudoventral oblique view and/or caudodorsal-cranioventral oblique radiographic view made at 45° to the frontal plane (Cr45D-CdV and Cd45D-CrV oblique views, respectively), along with standard views (dorsoventral, right lateral, and craniocaudal views) were performed. The oblique views allowed for visualization of different pectoral girdle or pelvic girdle fractures that were not visualized or clearly identified on the standard views. Based on the four clinical cases described here, the addition of Cr45D-CdV and/or Cd45D-CrV oblique views to the standard views may be beneficial, especially when advance imaging such as computed tomography is not available. These oblique views can be used to better assess chelonian pectoral and pelvic girdles as these structures are superimposed in standard radiographs. Future studies investigating the diagnostic accuracy of detecting pelvic and pectoral girdle fractures using these views are warranted.