Reliability of CT measurement of induced radioulnar step in dogs using a circle superimposition technique

ObjectivesTo evaluate the reliability of CT measurement of canine elbow axial radioulnar congruence using a duplicated circle superimposition technique. Materials and MethodsCT of six cadaveric canine elbows was performed following either: (1) placement of an external fixator on the radius with ostectomy and radial shortening of 1 to 5 mm; (2) radial lengthening of 1 to 5 mm using a radial lengthening system; or, (3) no axial length adjustment. Four observers, on two occasions, blinded to the amount of radial adjustment, placed a circle of best fit of the ulnar trochlear notch on a sagittal image that was duplicated and transposed to the articular contour of the radial head; then the axial distance between circles relative to the dorsal radius was measured. Statistical analysis assessed differences between actual and observer‐assessed radial length adjustment; inter−/intra‐observer interclass correlation coefficients and sensitivity/specificity were calculated to evaluate measurement reliability. ResultsThere was not a significant difference between actual and observer measures of radioulnar congruence. Inter‐ (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.98) and intra‐observer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.94 to 0.99) were almost perfect for measurement of radioulnar incongruence when compared to the actual radial adjustment. A Bland–Altman plot revealed a 95% confidence interval range of −1.31 to 1.16 mm. Sensitivity and specificity were high...
Source: The Journal of Small Animal Practice - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: PAPER Source Type: research