A method for visualizing the dorsal acetabular rim and the coverage of thefemoral head

The authors describe a new technique to visualize the dorsal acetabular rim and the coverage of the femoral head in the nonsedated dog. The technique involves using an overhead beam, directed at an angle tangential to the dor sal rim of the acetabulum, with a film positioned caudal to the standing do g. Anatomical landmarks that can routinely be identified include: the ilial crest, ilial shaft, ischial tuberosity, acetabulum, acetabular rim (partic ularly the dorsocaudal component), femoral head, greater trochanter, femora l neck, femoral shaft, rectum and the tail. Because the animal is standing and is not sedated, the technique may have additional value as a means of e valuating subluxation of the hip joint. It maintains a posture as close as possible to that experienced by the animal in normal activity. If the techn ique has prognostic value in that regard, more investigation is needed, but it is useful in itself as a technique to visualize the area of the acetabu lum.