Evaluation of pelvic limb angles in dogs with medial patellar luxation: Comparison of radiography and computed tomography

The aim of the present study was to compare the results from measurements of anatomical and mechanical angles of the femur and tibia by means of two diagnostic imaging methods – conventional radiography and computed tomography in normal dogs and dogs with medial patellar luxation (MPL). The study was done with 16 dogs (23 joints) from four small breeds (Mini-Pinscher, Chi-hua-hua, Yorkshire Terrier and Pomeranian). The results showed statistically significant differences between both imaging techniques in the values of mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle (mLPFA) and anteversion angle (AA) in joints with grade II MPL and in the anatomical lateral and medial distal femoral angles (aLDFA, aMDFA) and AA in grade III MPL. In healthy dogs, both methods differed considerably with regard to values of mechanical medial proximal and mechanical lateral distal femoral angles (mMPFA, mLDFA), the mechanical cranial proximal tibial angle (mCrPTA) and the quadriceps angle (Q-angle).