Echographic examination of the stifle joint affected by cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the dog

Ultrasound is a useful technique for the study of normal and pathologic sti fle joints, in particular for soft tissue examination. The aim of this stud y was to evaluate sonography for examination of stifle joints affected by c ranial cruciate ligament rupture. Forty-two medium to giant breed dogs were studied, Tibial compression radiography was performed. A 7.5 MHz transduce r with an incorporated 2 cm thick standoff was employed. Sagittal and midsa gittal images were collected, The stifle was positioned in maximum flexion during sonography. Sonographic findings were compared with pathologic findi ngs at surgery. Ultrasound was useful in evaluating the presence of fibrous tissue within the joint due to repair processes. It was observed in 70% of stifles with radiographic evidence of chronic osteoarthritis. In 19.6% of the joints it was possible to identify the ruptured cranial cruciate ligame nt. Ultrasound was not an accurate test for cruciate rupture evaluation, bu t was specific for the soft tissue pathologic changes which were observed c onsequent to joint instability.