Computed tomographic arthrography of the coxofemoral joint in horses
S. J. Attin, M. Kristoffersen, S. AarsvoldSummary
Background
Investigation of pathology relating to the coxofemoral joint (CFJ) in horses includes intra‐articular analgesia and diagnostic imaging using ultrasonography, radiography, scintigraphy and computed tomography (CT). While CT arthrography has been described for diagnosing intra‐articular ligament and cartilage injuries in different equine joints, the use of CT arthrography in the CFJ has not previously been described.
Objective
To evaluate CT arthrography for visualisation of articular cartilage and intra‐articular ligaments of the equine CFJ and to compare two contrast volumes.
Study design
Cadaver study.
Materials and methods
Coxofemoral joint CT arthrography was performed in 20 CFJs from 10 equine cadavers. Two contrast volumes (30 and 50 mL using a 1:1 concentration of 240 mg iodine/mL and 0.9% NaCl) were used to investigate the visualisation of the ligament of the head of the femur, the accessory ligament of the femur, the acetabular labrum, the femoral head cartilage and joint distension. The visualisation of the structures was graded on a 0–3 scale.
Results
The ligament of the head of the femur and the accessory ligament of the femur could not be distinguished from each other and were evaluated as a single structure. These ligaments, together with the caudal aspects of the acetabular labrum and the femoral cartilage, were consistently visualised along with joint distension. Visualisation of the cranial aspect of the acetabular labrum and the cranial aspect of the femoral cartilage was limited. No significant differences in visualisation scores between contrast volumes were identified.
Main limitations
Use of cadaver specimens without pathology, with no pathological or histopathological examination to confirm imaging findings and lack of comparison with other imaging modalities.
Conclusions
CT arthrography of the CFJ enables visualisation of intra‐articular ligaments and caudal joint structures, although assessment of cranial structures may be limited.