Ultrasonographic detection of cranial cruciate ligament pathology in canine stifles without cranio-caudal instability

Objective Explore the value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in detecting cruciate ligament pathology Background Partial tears cranial (CCL) can be difficult to diagnose due lack instability present on orthopedic examination. Advanced diagnostics would required for further evaluation. While a common tool human medicine, MRI is limited use canines cost and need general anesthesia. Musculoskeletal (MSK-US) performed without anesthesia but there are no current studies date evaluating its usefulness partial ligaments Evidentiary This retrospective case series (n=32) dogs that underwent diagnostic MSK-US stifle who later had surgical procedure (stifle arthroscopy/arthrotomy) evaluate intra-articular space. Methods Medical records were evaluated between May 2014 - April 2020 with clinically stable stifles both an followed by surgery. Ultrasound findings CCL compared (considered gold standard). Results Compared arthroscopy, was very sensitive test however it less specific. Its sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predictive (PPV) negative (NPV) 100%, 58.3%, 81.5%, 100% respectively. Conclusion non-invasive little sedation. Using high frequency 18-5MHz linear transducer, injuries may aid diagnosis useful guiding treatment. As specific, arthroscopy necessary confirm pathology. Application Diagnostic used detect stifle. application help guide treatment recommendations prior more invasive diagnostic/therapeutic such as surgery or arthroscopy.