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Influence of radiographic techniques on the measurement of femoral anteversion angles and a conformation score of pelvic limbs in L abrador retrievers
Author(s) -
Mostafa Ayman A.,
Cunningham Devin P.,
Boudrieau Randy J.,
Kowaleski Michael P.,
Griffon Dominique J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/vsu.12782
Subject(s) - repeatability , medicine , radiography , femur , nuclear medicine , orthodontics , surgery , mathematics , statistics
Objective To determine repeatability of and correlation between 2 radiographic measurements of femoral anteversion angles (FAA) and to determine their influence on a score derived from tibial plateau angle (TPA) and FAA to predict the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). Study Design Prospective clinical study. Animals Forty‐eight Labrador retrievers with or without CCLD. Methods FAA and CCLD scores were calculated for each limb from extended pelvic radiographs (t‐FAA) or angled (a‐FAA) projections of the femur by 3 investigators. One investigator repeated measurements twice. Data were analyzed for repeatability, correlation between t‐FAA and a‐FAA, and their influence on CCLD scores. Results FAA correlated most strongly with the distance between the femoral head and the femoral axis on mediolateral radiographs, a measurement with excellent repeatability. t‐FAA and a‐FAA correlated with each other ( r > 0.79, P < .0001), although t‐FAA were about 1° greater than a‐FAA ( P = .01). Intrainvestigator and interinvestigator repeatability of the CCLD score was fair when derived from t‐FAA and good to excellent when derived from a‐FAA. CCLD scores differed between radiographic techniques but led to different predictions in only 9 (10%) limbs, all with lower TPA and CCLD scores than the rest of the population. Conclusion a‐FAA correlated strongly with t‐FAA and improved the repeatability of CCLD scores within and between investigators. Clinical significance A craniocaudal angled beam projection of the femur is a suitable alternative to a ventrodorsal pelvic radiograph when measuring FAA and may improve the repeatability and positive predictive value of CCLD scores.