Summary
In this retrospective study, we compared the value of radiographic and computerized
tomographic (CT) imaging for the diagnosis of lateral trochlear ridge talar osteochondritis
dissecans (LTRT-OCD) in 11 tarsocrural joints. The flexed dorsoplantar skyline and
the plantarolateral-dorsomedial projections were the most reliable for radiographic
detection of OCD fragments (in 7 of the 11 joints). Overall, radiography detected
OCD fragments in 8 of 11 joints. By contrast, the OCD fragments could be visualized
and exactly localized by CT in all 11 joints. Computerized tomography allowed the
talar ridges to be inspected without superimposition of any bony structures. This
information may be very useful when minimal invasive techniques are used to treat
LTRT-OCD lesions. The findings of this study suggest that CT is superior to radiography
for making a diagnosis of LTRT-OCD in the dog.
Keywords
Dog - computerized tomography - osteochondritis dissecans - talus