Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Detection of Medial Meniscal Lesions in Cranial Cruciate-Deficient Stifle Joints in Dogs

Summary

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive diagnostic modality for assessing cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency in stifles, particularly for identifying medial meniscal lesions (MML). In cases of canine meniscal injury, mostly following cruciate ligament tears, detecting meniscal damage is crucial for appropriate patient management. In small animals, arthroscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing meniscal tears, as it allows direct visualization of the meniscus and the possibility of surgical intervention if needed, but it is not noninvasive. To assess the usefulness of low-field MRI (lfMRI) in accurately depicting treatable meniscal pathologies and to avoid invasive intra-articular diagnostics in healthy menisci, 57 stifle joints of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament deficiency were evaluated. Finally, lfMRI was viewed as a feasible, noninvasive imaging tool for the assessment of the medial meniscus in cranial cruciate deficient stifle joints.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to substantiate the ability of noninvasive low-field magnetic resonance imaging (lfMRI) to accurately depict meniscal lesions, thereby establishing lfMRI as a viable option for the diagnosis of meniscal pathology.

Study Design: This was a prospective, controlled study. Materials and Methods: In each of 57 stifle joints, 5 predefin