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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2023; 36(03): 157-162
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1761242
Original Research

Accuracy of Caudocranial Canine Femoral Radiographs Compared to Computed Tomography Multiplanar Reconstructions for Measurement of Anatomic Lateral Distal Femoral Angle

Elliott Anthony Clark 
1   EAC Locum Ltd, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom
,
Anna Maria Condon
2   Manchester Veterinary Specialists, Worsley, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
,
Daniel Michael Ogden
3   Highcroft Veterinary Referrals, Whitchurch, Bristol, United Kingdom
,
Steven Riddiford Bright
2   Manchester Veterinary Specialists, Worsley, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Objective This study aimed to compare the accuracy of sternal recumbency caudocranially obtained radiographs of canine femora to computed tomographic (CT) frontal plane reconstructions of the same femora for assessing anatomic distal lateral femoral angles (aLDFA).

Study Design Multicentre, retrospective study utilizing 81 matched radiographic and CT studies of clinical patients undergoing assessment for various issues were reviewed. Anatomic lateral distal femoral angles were measured, and accuracy assessed with descriptive statistics and Bland-Altman plot analysis, with CT considered the reference standard. Sensitivity and specificity of a cut-off for measured aLDFA (102 degrees) were determined to assess radiography as a screening tool for significant deformity.

Results Radiographs on average overestimated aLDFA by 1.8 degrees compared to CT. Bland-Altman analysis identified a 15.4 degrees 95% limit of agreement range and a tendency for greater overestimation at higher average measured value. Radiographic measurement of aLDFA of 102 degrees or less had a 90% sensitivity, 71.83% specificity, and 98.08% negative predictive value for the CT measurement being less than 102 degrees.

Conclusion Accuracy of aLDFA measurement by caudocranial radiographs does not demonstrate sufficient accuracy when compared to CT frontal plane reconstructions with unpredictable differences. Radiographic assessment is a useful screening tool to exclude animals with a true aLDFA of greater than 102 degrees with a high degree of certainty.

Keywords

anatomic lateral distal femoral angle - femoral varus angle - femoral osteotomy - radiograph - computed tomography - dog

Authors' Contributions

E.C. contributed to study conception, study design, data collection, interpretation, manuscript drafting and review. S.B. contributed to data collection, interpretation and manuscript review. A.C. contributed to data collection, interpretation and manuscript review. D.O. contributed to study conception, interpretation and manuscript review.




Publication History

Received: 12 March 2022

Accepted: 09 December 2022

Article published online:
16 February 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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