Ultrasonography of the stifle

UK-Vet Equine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-92
Author(s):  
Eddy R J Cauvin ◽  
Roger K W Smith

Stifle injuries are increasingly recognised as a major cause of hind limb lameness and commonly affect the soft tissues of the joint in adult horses, making ultrasonography a vital part of diagnostic imaging of this joint. This article aims to provide an introduction to stifle ultrasonography. To ensure comprehensive evaluation of the stifle, a systematic approach is necessary. The ultrasonographic examination is divided into five approaches: initially weight-bearing scans should be obtained of the cranial aspect (for the femoropatellar joint), medial aspect (for the medial femorotibial joint), and lateral aspect (for the lateral femorotibial joint), followed by flexed views from cranial (for the cranial aspect of the femorotibial joints) and, finally, in limited cases because pathology is rarer and the technique more demanding, weight-bearing views of the caudal aspect (for the caudal parts of both femorotibial joints). For the femoropatellar joint, ultrasound can be used to identify bruising (haematoma), injuries to the patellar ligaments, trochlear ridges (including osteochondrosis), and patella and tibial crest fractures. For the femorotibial joints, injuries to the menisci are the most common, but ultrasound can also identify rarer collateral and cruciate ligament injuries. and abnormalities of the weight-bearing surfaces of the femoral condyles, such as cartilage damage and subchondral bone cysts.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 957
Author(s):  
Ing-Jung Chen ◽  
Chih-Shung Wong

Osteoarthritis (OA) progression is associated with joint pain and stiffness. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IAHA) injection in knee OA restores the viscoelasticity of the joint and prevents cartilage damage. Shea nut oil extract (SNO) was shown to provide chondroprotection on surgically-induced OA progression in rats. Here we aim to examine IAHA injection supplemented with SNO diet for a synergetic evaluation on the disease progression in OA rats. We employed an anterior cruciate ligament transection plus medial meniscectomy-induced knee OA rat model with up to 12 weeks of sign/behavior observation (knee width, weight-bearing) and histological assessments of joint damage. We found both IAHA and SNO alone significantly attenuated histological changes of cartilage degeneration and synovial reactions in these knee OA rats. Nonetheless, oral SNO alone mitigated OA pain and inflammation while IAHA alone had no significant impact on the weight-bearing test and knee joint swelling. Moreover, with IAHA-treated rats fed with oral SNO diet, additional anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects were found, which further enhanced and maintained IAHA protection. Given the differential phenotype of oral SNO vs. IAHA, a regimen of IAHA coupled with SNO supplement provides a long-term effect of IAHA treatment. Taken together, the SNO supplement can be safely used as an adjuvant diet for chronic symptomatic relief of OA coupled with IAHA management.


Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Agnello ◽  
Kei Hayashi ◽  
Dorothy Cimino Brown

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate frequency, location and severity of cartilage pathology in dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease. Study Design Stifle arthroscopic video recordings (n = 120) were reviewed. A modified Outerbridge classification system (MOCS) (0–4) was used to score cartilage at 10 locations in the femorotibial (medial and lateral femoral condyles and tibial plateaus) and patellofemoral compartments (proximal, middle and distal locations of the patella and femoral trochlear groove) of the stifle joint. Synovial pathology was scored and the presence of a medial meniscal tear was recorded. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to evaluate association of location and synovitis with cartilage score; and presence of meniscal tear with cartilage and synovitis scores. Bonferroni correction was utilized and p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Cartilage pathology and synovitis were identified in all joints. Overall cartilage severity scores were low (median MOCS 1). The median MOCS of the proximal trochlear groove (2) was significantly higher than all other locations evaluated. Higher synovitis scores were significantly associated with higher cartilage severity scores and a medial meniscal tear had no association with cartilage severity scores or synovitis. Conclusion Arthroscopic articular cartilage lesions are common in dogs with CCL disease at the time of surgical intervention, although the severity of cartilage damage is mild. The proximal trochlear groove of the femur had the most severe cartilage score in the stifle joint.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua L. Hudgens ◽  
Diane L. Dahm

The incidence of ACL tears is rising in the pediatric and adolescent populations as these individuals succumb to traumatic and nontraumatic athletic injuries. Management of this condition in the skeletally immature patient poses a challenge and is controversial. Operative reconstruction carries the concern for damage to the physis with resultant limb length inequality and angular joint deformity but provides stability to the knee and allows return of function in most patients. On the other hand, nonoperative treatment has been shown to carry an increased risk of meniscal and articular cartilage damage and is difficult from a compliance standpoint in this demographic. For the majority of skeletally immature patients, operative treatment is recommended as it has shown good clinical and functional results with minimal risk of growth disturbance. This paper aims to address the natural course of ACL injuries in the skeletally immature patient, treatment options with associated complications, and current preventative strategies.


1986 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
P H Cooke ◽  
A E Goodship

An experiment was performed to determine the effects of stiffness of cruciate ligament prostheses upon joint function and degeneration. Twenty four sheep were allocated into four groups. One group had the ligament excised with no replacement and subsequent groups underwent substitution procedures with either a stiff, matched, or lax prosthesis. After six months the animals with a stiff or matched prosthesis were significantly less lame than those with a lax prosthesis or no prosthesis. However, at post mortem examination the animals with a stiff prosthesis or no prosthesis showed significantly more widespread cartilage damage than the matched or lax groups. The results indicate that either a stiff or matched prosthesis may restore functional activity, but that the stiff prosthesis may predispose to increased degenerative changes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0028
Author(s):  
Lindsay M. Schlichte ◽  
Peter D. Fabricant ◽  
Christine Goodbody ◽  
Daniel W. Green

Background: Pre- and post-operative standing hip to ankle radiography is critical for monitoring potential post-operative growth arrest and resultant length and angular deformities after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. During acquisition of pre-operative standing alignment radiographs, it is possible that patients are lacking full extension, not weight bearing comfortably, or leaning resulting in inaccurate measurements. Purpose: This study aims to assess both pre- and post-operative radiographic measurements to assess if the standing pre-operative x-ray is a accurate and reliable source for baseline measurements. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected pre-operative and first post-operative full-length hip-to-ankle radiographs in a cohort of skeletally immature athletes who presented with an acute ACL injury and underwent subsequent surgical reconstruction. Initially, leg length discrepancy for 25 patients was measured by 3 orthopedic surgeons (top of femoral head to center of tibial plafond). The intraclass correlation was almost perfect (ICC (2,1) = .996) therefore, 1 surgeon measured the remaining 94 radiographs. Measurements for both the injured and uninjured legs were obtained for comparison and surgeons were blinded to the injured side. Results: A total of 119 pediatric patients (mean age 13.4, range 7-14 years) were included (83 males and 36 females). Patient were categorized as either having ≥5mm, ≥10mm, or ≥15mm LLD on pre-operative standing x-ray. Sixty-two patients (52%) were found to have a pre-operative LLD ≥ 5mm. Forty-one (66%) of these patients tore their ACL on the limb measuring shorter. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 35 patients (56%) resolved to ≤5mm LLD. Eighteen patients had a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 10mm. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 13 (72%) patients resolved to ≤5mm LLD. Five patients had a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 15mm. At 6 month post-operative standing x-ray, 4 (80%) resolved ≤5mm. All patients with a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 13mm had sustained an ACL injury on the limb measuring shorter Conclusion: Of the pediatric ACL patients initially presenting with a pre-operative LLD of ≥ 10mm, 72% demonstrated apparent correction of their LLD on their 6 month standing x-ray. This high rate of LLD pre-operatively but not post operatively calls into question the accuracy of pre-operative standing alignment radiographs for patients after an ACL tear. Surgeons and radiology technicians should be aware of injured patients potentially lacking full extension, leaning, or not weight bearing comfortably, and should consider delaying preoperative radiographic length and alignment analysis until after the patient is able to fully straighten the injured knee and weight bear comfortably.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 78-83
Author(s):  
A. P Pozdeev ◽  
E. A Zakhar’yan ◽  
D. S Buklaev ◽  
I. N Krasnogorskiy ◽  
T. F Zubairov

Idiopathic osteolysis is a rare disorder characterized by spontaneous, massive and progressive resorption of bone tissue. Massive osteolysis results from proliferation of blood and lymphatic vessels with thin walls, resembling capillaries, in the bone and surrounding soft tissues. Literature review on this problem and clinical case of a patient successfully operated on using the technique elaborated at our clinic are presented. Surgical interventions enabled to achieve the restoration of tubular bones integrity and ensured conditions for independent patient’s movement. Possibility of the performance of reconstructive surgical interventions for the restoration of limb weight bearing ability that is reasonable to combine with bisphosphonate therapy.


2006 ◽  
Vol 134 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 532-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilija Dubljanin-Raspopovic ◽  
Marko Kadija ◽  
Dragana Matanovic

Introduction: Optimal treatment of ACL (anterior cruciate injury) injuries is one of the most dynamic topics of contemporary orthopedics. Despite huge amount of publications on this subject, golden rehabilitation standard has not been established yet. Objective: The aim of our study was to compare two different rehabilitation groups in respect to dynamics and safety of recovery, and accordingly to recommend contemporary rehabilitation approach. Method: A prospective study included 45 patients with unilateral ACL rupture who were randomized into conservative (THC) and intensive rehabilitation (TH-I) group. The arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL was performed using the BTBP or STG graft. After the operation, in the TH-C group, ROM was limited to 0-0-90? and weight bearing was not allowed in the first 4 postoperative weeks. In the TH-I group, progression depended only on the knee edema and pain. The groups were compared in relation to demographic, anamnestic, and clinical characteristics (knee circumference, thigh circumference, stability tests, Lysholm, Tegner and one-leg hop test, and single stance test). Data were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively after 6 weeks, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months, and compared with parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. Results: The investigated groups clearly differed already after 6 weeks by range of motion (p<0.05), thigh circumference (p<0.01) and Lysholm test score (p<0.01), after 4 months in relation to one leg hop test (p<0.05), and after 6 months according to Tegner test (p<0.01). In the TH-I group, graft integrity was not compromised in any of these patients, nor did postoperative arthrofibrosis develop. Conclusion: Our investigation has undoubtedly revealed that early intensive rehabilitation approach leads to faster functional recovery without complications compared to conventional rehabilitation treatment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 100-B (3) ◽  
pp. 285-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Nakamae ◽  
N. Adachi ◽  
M. Deie ◽  
M. Ishikawa ◽  
T. Nakasa ◽  
...  

Aims To investigate the risk factors for progression of articular cartilage damage after anatomical anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Patients and Methods A total of 174 patients who underwent second-look arthroscopic evaluation after anatomical ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this study. The graded condition of the articular cartilage at the time of ACL reconstruction was compared with that at second-look arthroscopy. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), ACL reconstruction technique, meniscal conditions, and other variables were assessed by regression analysis as risk factors for progression of damage to the articular cartilage. Results In the medial compartment, multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that partial medial meniscectomy (odds ratio (OR) 6.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.11 to 22.04, p = 0.001), pivot-shift test grade at the final follow-up (OR 3.53, CI 1.39 to 8.96, p = 0.008), BMI (OR 1.15, CI 1.03 to 1.28, p = 0.015) and medial meniscal repair (OR 3.19, CI 1.24 to 8.21, p = 0.016) were significant risk factors for progression of cartilage damage. In the lateral compartment, partial lateral meniscectomy (OR 10.94, CI 4.14 to 28.92, p < 0.001) and side-to-side differences in anterior knee laxity at follow-up (OR 0.63, p = 0.001) were significant risk factors. Conclusion Partial meniscectomy was found to be strongly associated with the progression of articular cartilage damage despite r anatomical ACL reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:285–93.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (6) ◽  
pp. 263502542110392
Author(s):  
Edward R. Floyd ◽  
Gregory B. Carlson ◽  
Jill K. Monson ◽  
Robert F. LaPrade

Background: Multiple ligament injuries of the knee occur in a variety of settings, often from athletic activities. Multiple cruciate and collateral ligament injuries may be associated with hamstring tendon rupture, common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury, meniscus, bone, and cartilage damage. Indications: After evaluation for concomitant life-threatening and vascular injuries (especially of the popliteal artery), the knee is assessed through a thorough physical examination and imaging series, including varus, valgus, and posterior stress radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Research over the last 30 years has suggested that operative treatment in the acute setting (<3 weeks) in a single-stage procedure may have improved results to delayed/staged reconstruction. Early range of motion starting on postoperative day 1 is important to prevent development of arthrofibrosis. Technique: We describe the technique used to surgically manage a patient suffering from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and complete posterolateral corner (PLC) rupture. Neurolysis of the CPN is performed to free the irritated nerve from scar tissue, along with biceps femoris tendon and lateral capsular repairs. Anatomic-based reconstructions are performed. The ACL reconstruction is with a single bundle using a patellar tendon autograft, PCL reconstruction is a double bundle with Achilles and tibialis anterior tendon allografts, and PLC reconstruction is accomplished with a split Achilles tendon allograft. The correct orientation of tunnel placement must be planned to avoid tunnel convergence; these angles have been determined through 3D modeling. The optimal sequence for graft tensioning has been established and follows the pattern: PCL, ACL, PLC, and then medial-sided structures if necessary. Results: Successful outcomes have been reported for both medial and lateral based injuries, and follow-up studies have also shown equivalent results between acute and chronic outcomes, and for multiligament injuries involving the ACL and PCL if anatomic reconstructions with appropriate tunnel angles, passage and tensioning sequence of grafts, and rehabilitation regimens are performed. Discussion/Conclusion: Single-stage anatomic reconstruction is the gold standard for managing multiple ligament injuries in the knee. Commencement of early 0° to 90° knee range of motion and PCL-supporting bracing are critical to prevent arthrofibrosis and protect the grafts from attenuation.


Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 873
Author(s):  
Donghun Lee ◽  
Chae Yun Baek ◽  
Ji Hong Hwang ◽  
Mi-Yeon Kim

Osteoarthritis (OA), being the most prominent degenerative joint disease is affecting millions of elderly people worldwide. Although Andrographis paniculata is an ethnic medicine with a long history of being used as analgesic agent, no study using a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) model has investigated its potential activities against OA. In this study, experimental OA was induced in rats with a knee injection of MIA, which represents the pathological characteristics of OA in humans. A. paniculata extract (APE) substantially reversed the loss of hind limb weight-bearing and the cartilage damage resulted from the OA induction in rats. Additionally, the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α as well as the concentration of matrix metalloproteinases, including MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-8, and MMP-13 were decreased by APE administration. Acetic acid-induced writhing responses in mice which quantitatively measure pain were significantly reduced by APE. In vitro, APE inhibited the generation of NO and downregulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The above results suggest the potential use APE as a therapeutic agent against OA.


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