Subchondral bone density pattern in the canine carpal joint.

摘要

This study was conducted to determine the subchondral bone density of the canine carpal joint in relation to long-term loading capacity of the joint. 80 joints of 40 dogs of various ages were examined using computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry. It was observed that the subchondral bone density increased with increase in age. However, the bone density distribution patterns were similar regardless of age. The antebrachiocarpal joint had the highest range of motion, and its dorsomedial area had a high bone density. The bone density of the midcarpal and carpometacarpal joint were equally distributed over the joint surfaces. There were no significant differences in bone density found between dogs of different sex nor between the left and right joints of one individual. It is concluded that the characteristic load distribution patterns in the canine carpal joint are due to the physiological hyperextension and carpus-valgus-position of the joint together with the limited range of motion in the distal joints. The excess load in distinct areas of the joint surfaces is one possible cause of typical injuries in the canine carpal joint.