By Clifford R. Berry, DVM, DACVR
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida
Overview
- Routine Radiographs
- Additional views
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Canine Cubital Joint
- Elbow Dysplasia and Components
- Osteochondritis dissecans (OC)
- Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
- Fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP)
- Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IODHC)
- Summary
Routine Radiographic Views
Pathogenesis – Elbow Dysplasia
- Incongruent growth between distal humeral condyle and the ulnar subtrochlear notch
- Pressure points – anconeal process, medial coronoid process, humeral trochlea
Ununited Anconeal Process
- Fuses by 4 months of age
- Seen on the lateral radiograph (do not need flexed lateral for diagnosis)
- Proximodistal radiolucent line with surrounding subchondral sclerosis
- Bassett and German Shepherd
Distal Humeral Osteochondritis Dissecans – Trochlea
- Weight bearing surface of the distal humerus
- Seen best on oblique craniocaudal (externally rotated)
- Focal subchondral defect with surrounding osteosclerosis
- May see flattening on the lateral radiograph
Fragmented Medical Coronoid Process
- Diagnosis by exclusion
- Abnormal shape or absence of the medial coronoid process as seen on the mediolateral projection
- Osteophytes will occur at the medial coronoid process with other diseases
- Does not mean the medial coronoid process is fragmented!
Special Radiographic Views
Other diseases that result in degenerative joint disease of the cubital joint
- Incomplete ossification of the distal humeral condyle
- Angular limb deformity
- Other young dog diseases
- Panosteitis
Incomplete ossification of the distal humeral condyle
Retained cartilaginous core and angular limb deformity
Panosteitis
Summary
- Cubital joint disease common as a cause of lameness in young, large breed dogs
- Big three
- Ununited anconeal process
- Osteochondritis dissecans of the trochlea of distal humerus
- Fragmentation of the medial coronoid process
