Sonographic diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament ruptures in the dog.

摘要

The aim of the study was to investigate the suitability of ultrasonography for the diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in dogs. Ultrasound was performed in 111 dogs that were clinically or radiologically suspected to have cranial cruciate ligament rupture. The dogs were examined under anaesthesia and subsequently underwent surgery. 93 dogs (83.8%) showed a complete, and 18 dogs (16.2%) a partial rupture of the CCL. The ultrasound examinations were performed with a 5-10 MHz and 6-12 MHz linear transducer, respectively. In 91 dogs (82%), the ruptured CCL could be visualized by ultrasonography. 104 dogs (94%) showed joint effusion. All dogs with partial rupture of the CCL had at least a low-grade joint effusion of the stifle. 14% of the cases (n=13) with a complete CCL rupture and 5.6% (n=1) with a partial rupture showed up to three cystic structures in the infrapatellar fat pad. The sonographic sensitivity of the CCL rupture presentation was 82%. With regard to joint effusion, the sensitivity for dogs with complete rupture was 92% and even 100% for dogs with partial rupture. The study showed that ultrasonography of the canine stifle is an important tool for the diagnosis of complete or partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament.