Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ultrasound helps diagnose elbow joint disease in dogs
By Jacqmin, Maxime et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2023·Small Animal Surgery, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of Ultrasonography in Diagnosis of Medial Compartment Disease of the Elbow in Dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with elbow pain underwent tests to diagnose a condition called medial coronoid process disease, which can cause joint issues. When traditional imaging methods like X-rays and CT scans didn’t provide clear answers, veterinarians used ultrasound to look for signs of the disease. They found fluid in the joint and irregular shapes in the bone in many cases. This study suggests that ultrasound can be a useful tool for diagnosing elbow problems when other methods are inconclusive, helping vets make better treatment decisions.
People also search for: dog elbow pain diagnosis · ultrasound for dog joint problems · medial coronoid process disease in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:  The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of medial coronoid process disease in unclear cases. STUDY DESIGN:  Fifteen elbows (on thirteen dogs) for which radiography and computed tomography did not lead to a clear diagnosis of medial coronoid process disease were included. On each elbow, ultrasonography was performed with a high frequency linear transducer (12-18Hz). Then, arthroscopic examination of the joint was performed by a surgeon who was unaware of ultrasonographic findings to confirm medial coronoid process disease. RESULTS:  At least one ultrasonographic lesion was detected in 13 out of 15 elbows. The main reported ultrasonographic lesions were joint effusion (10/15 elbows) and an abnormal shape of the medial coronoid process (irregular, ill-defined or fragmented) (9/15). CONCLUSION:  Ultrasonography can be a helpful additional diagnostic tool to confirm medial coronoid process disease of the elbow joint before performing arthroscopy in unclear cases. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the use of higher frequency transducers and determine if it could improve the diagnostic value of ultrasonography.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36724814/