Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Radioulnar joint differences in dogs with medial coronoid disease
By Scharpf, Marlene & Theyse, Lars F H·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2026·Department for Small Animals, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Assessment of the Conformation of the Radioulnar Joint Comparing Dogs with and without Medial Coronoid Disease.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with medial coronoid disease (MCD), a condition affecting the elbow joint, showed signs of joint malformation when examined using advanced imaging techniques. The study compared 101 affected elbow joints to 20 healthy ones and found that the MCD group had significant changes in the structure of the radioulnar joint, which could affect how well the joint functions. These structural issues may contribute to the challenges in treating MCD effectively with arthroscopic surgery. Understanding these malformations can help veterinarians better manage and treat dogs with this condition.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the conformation of the radioulnar joint using transverse plane computed tomography in dogs with medial coronoid disease (MCD). STUDY DESIGN: The study included 101 elbow joints with arthroscopically confirmed MCD and 20 sound control elbow joints. To assess the conformation of the radioulnar joint, we determined the ratio for the radial head centre of supination and pronation toward the ulnar joint surface in the transverse computed tomography plane. In addition, we assessed the opening angle of the radioulnar joint. RESULTS: The MCD group showed decreased lateral, laterocentral and central radioulnar ratios, with 1.78 (± 0.09) and 1.81 (± 0.07) centrally ( = 0.044), 1.75 (± 0.10) and 1.78 (± 0.09) laterocentrally ( = 0.044) and 1.74 (± 0.09) and 1.77 (± 0.08) laterally ( = 0.044), in the MCD and control groups, respectively, indicating radioulnar joint malformation. The mediocentral and medial sections showed no differences in radioulnar ratios consistent with joint congruity. The opening angle of the radioulnar joint showed no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: Dogs with MCD showed lateral, centrolateral and central malformation and incongruity of the radioulnar joint in the transverse computed tomography plane. Medial coronoid disease appears to coincide with radioulnar joint malformation ipsilateral to the medial coronoid process and medial joint compartment. Radioulnar malformation in the lateral and central compartments could be a factor in the development of MCD and limit the success rate in arthroscopic MCD treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40889765/