Prevalence of incidental humeral intracondylar fissures in brachycephalic breed dogs in CT studies

Humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) have been predominantly reported in spaniel breeds and proposed to be possible risk factors for humeral condyle fractures (HCF). We hypothesized that the prevalence of incidental HIF in French Bulldogs may be greater than that of other brachycephalic breeds. A retrospective, observational, prevalence study was performed using CT examinations of French bulldogs and other brachycephalic breed dogs presenting for an unrelated condition. Two European College of Veterinary Diagnostic and Imaging-certified radiologists reviewed the images of the humeral condyles of these dogs. A classification system was devised to grade the findings. We considered a Score 1 to be normal, Score 2 to have centralised sclerosis, Score 3 to have a partial fissure and Score 4 to have a complete fissure. A total of 228 elbows were reviewed from 122 dogs. Of this population, 145 elbows were from French Bulldogs, 54 were from Pugs, and the remainder were from a mix of other brachycephalic breeds. The prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4) in elbows of the French bulldog, pug and other breed groups was 6.9% (CI 2.8–11%), 5.6% (CI 0–11.7%), and 3.4% (CI 0–10.15%), respectively. At a dog level, the prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4 present in at least one elbow) was found to be 11.8% (CI 4.6–19%) in French Bulldogs, 11.1% (CI 0–22.9%) in Pugs, and 5.26% (CI 0–15%) in the other breed group. There was no significant difference between the breed groups. The inter-reviewer reliability for CT scoring of HIF based on Cohen's weighted kappa was low at 0.19.     

轴流泵装置运行工况对肘形进水流道水力性能的影响

为研究肘形进水流道的水力性能与泵装置运行工况的定量关系,采用CFD(Computational fluid dynamic)方法对轴流泵装置进行全流道的数值计算,在考虑了轴流泵与肘形进水流道内流相干条件下定量地分析了肘形进水流道水力特性各参数与泵装置运行工况的关系,并给出了相应的数学模型,对比了物理模型试验与数值预测结果的差异性。结果表明:在高效工况范围内,流道出口流场水流稳定性及均匀性均较好;在大流量工况时,流道出口流场水流稳定性及均匀性较差。流道出口流场的偏流角受泵装置运行工况的影响较小,极差为0.91°。肘形进水流道均化效率为99.215%,流道断面的均匀性主要受弯肘段几何边界条件的约束,在弯肘段时压能与动能的转换率较高,对于肘形进水流道结构尺寸设计及优化的关键在于弯肘段。     

直接模拟蒙特卡罗方法在CFD冲蚀预测中的应用

为研究气固两相流中固体颗粒间碰撞对冲蚀的影响,提出一种利用直接模拟蒙特卡罗(Direct Simulation Monte Carlo,DSMC)方法和计算流体力学(CFD)计算颗粒间碰撞的冲蚀预测方法。使用Eulerian-Lagrangian方法,将气相作为连续相,通过Navier-Stokes方程求解,颗粒平移运动由离散相模型(DPM)求解。颗粒平移运动由Eulerian-Lagrangian框架下的DPM求解,计算颗粒间碰撞运动时采用DSMC方法以少量采样颗粒代替真实颗粒,碰撞的发生条件通过修正的Nanbu方法判定。分析气固两相流中颗粒间碰撞对弯管冲蚀速率和颗粒分布的影响,结果表明:使用DSMC方法计算颗粒间碰撞,Oka模型的平均百分误差从39.2%降低至27.4%;计算颗粒间碰撞时弯管内拱侧的无颗粒区变小,最大冲蚀位置沿外拱轴线后移5°,同时V形冲蚀痕迹的两翼向外侧扩大。使用DSMC方法计算颗粒间碰撞可以明显降低模型误差,考虑颗粒间碰撞的Oka模型与实验结果偏差最小,是冲蚀预测的最佳模型。     

SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF RADIOGRAPHIC DETECTION OF CANINE ELBOW INCONGRUENCE IN AN IN VITRO MODEL

Canine elbow incongruence is believed to be the consequence of underdevelopment of the radius. The purpose of this study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of radiography to detect elbow incongruence in an in vitro model and to assess the optimal elbow angle and radiographic beam position. Five normal cadaveric canine left forelimbs were used. A four-pin, type 1 external fixator with a linear motor side bar was fixed to the cranial part of the radius of each limb and a 1 cm segment of bone was removed from the mid-diaphysis to allow radial shortening. Each elbow was subjected to the same protocol. They were radiographed at two different angles (90 degrees and 135 degrees) of flexion, with 10 different radiographic beam positions (centered on the humeral condyle, 3 cm cranial, 3 cm caudal, 3 cm distal, 3 cm proximal, 3 cm cranio-proximal, 3 cm cranio-distal, 3 cm caudo-proximal, 3 cm caudo-distal and on the shoulder joint) and at four different level of radial shortening (0, 1, 2 and 3 mm). In addition, a radiographic view centered on the elbows flexed at 135 degrees was made after simulating weight bearing. The acquired digital images were independently evaluated by three evaluators unaware of the elbows status. The elbows were judged normal, incongruent or borderline based on specific criteria. The sensitivity for detection of elbow incongruence at and beyond 2 mm was excellent at 90 degrees (median = 100% for all views) and good at 135 degrees (median = 80%) of flexion with no difference between examiners. The sensitivity at 1 mm of incongruence was unchanged at 135 degrees but was reduced at 90 degrees of flexion (median = 60%) with a significant difference between the evaluators. The specificity was significantly different between the evaluators and ranged from 70% to 90% at 90 degrees of flexion and from 50% to 80% at 135 degrees. The lowest specificities at 90 degrees were obtained with the proximal displacements of the X-ray beam. Simulating weight bearing significantly decreased the sensitivity at 1 mm (from 80% to 50%) and 3 mm (from 100% to 80%) of incongruence and slightly increased the specificity (from 55% to 65%). Radiography is a sensitive and specific test to detect moderate-to-severe radio-ulnar incongruence (2 mm and over) if the elbow is flexed at a 90 degrees angle regardless of the radiographic beam position. Finally, canine elbow incongruence appeared reduced after an in vitro weight-bearing simulation.     

Closed reduction and surgical fixation of elbow joint luxation in an adult mare and in a 3-month-old foal using knotless bone anchors and FiberTape

This report describes the successful surgical stabilisation of elbow joint luxation using knotless bone anchors and FiberTape to repair the medial collateral ligament in an 11-year-old mare (Case 1) and both medial and lateral collateral ligaments in a 3-month-old foal (Case 2). Radiography (both cases) and computed tomography (Case 2) were used to diagnose subluxation (Case 1) and complete luxation (Case 2) with suspected rupture of both collateral ligaments. Case 1 was supported in a rescue sling for 7 weeks postoperatively to prevent recumbency. Recovery was good, and the mare was sound at the walk at the time of discharge 8 weeks after surgery and 1 year later at the follow-up visit. Case 2 was discharged 3 weeks after surgery and was sound at the trot when re-evaluated 2 and 6 months postoperatively. Although elbow luxation accompanied by torn collateral ligaments is rare in horses, successful outcomes have been described. In the present case report, joint stabilisation and a successful outcome were achieved, for the first time, with closed reduction and an open approach for placement of knotless bone anchors and FiberTape. Limitations of our study included inability to directly assess the integrity of the implants during healing and relying mainly on clinical signs to assess healing.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION OF DYSPLASIA AND PROGRESSION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS IN DOG ELBOWS PREVIOUSLY ASSIGNED OFA GRADES 0 AND 1

Elbow dysplasia is a heritable disease that is a common cause of lameness and progressive elbow osteoarthritis in young large breed dogs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screens elbow radiographs, and assigns grades 0–3 based on presence and severity of bony proliferation on the anconeal process. Grade 1 is assigned when less than 3 mm is present and considered positive for dysplasia. We investigated the incidence of elbow dysplasia and progression of osteoarthritis in elbows with grades 0 and 1 in 46 elbows screened at least 1 year previously, using CT as a gold standard and with the addition of CT absorptiometry. The incidence of dysplasia based on CT was 62% in grade 0, and 75% in grade 1 elbows, all of which had medial coronoid disease. Progressive osteoarthritis at recheck was consistent with elbow dysplasia. The sensitivity and specificity of the OFA grade for elbow dysplasia compared to CT findings was 75% and 38%, respectively. Increased bone mineral density of the medial coronoid process as characterized by osteoabsorptiometry warrants further investigation with respect to elbow dysplasia. Proliferation on the anconeal process without CT evidence of dysplasia or osteoarthritis was present in 20% of the elbows, and is theorized to be an anatomic variant or enthesopathy of the olecranon ligament/synovium. Results of our study suggest that the “anconeal bump” used for elbow screening by the OFA is a relatively insensitive characteristic, and support the use of CT for identifying additional characteristics of elbow dysplasia.     

大型犬肘头皮下黏液囊炎的诊治体会

[目的]介绍大型犬肘头皮下黏液囊炎的诊治过程。[方法]对发病金毛犬进行初步诊断,确诊为肘头皮下黏液囊炎后对其进行手术切除。[结果]发病金毛犬的肘头皮下出现一处肿胀,其与周围有明显的分界。B超检查发现肿胀内有大面积液性暗区,外有强回声包膜。在波动稍明显的部位进行穿刺,可见有清亮黏液流出。根据初诊结果,确诊为肘头皮下黏液囊炎。手术切除该肘头皮下黏液囊后,金毛犬经精心护理后痊愈。[结论]当病情较轻时,应尽量避免切除肘头皮下粘液囊,建议应破坏黏液囊并减少其黏液的过度分泌。     

Elbow arthroscopy: Indications,approaches and syndromes

Elbow arthroscopy is not commonly performed and can be challenging due to surrounding neurovascular and muscle structures. Three approaches provide access to the various compartments and joint surfaces of the elbow except the proximal radius. Indications for diagnostic arthroscopy include septic arthritis, osteochondral chip fracture, assisted reduction of adjacent epiphyseal fractures, developmental orthopaedic disease and staging of osteoarthritis. Outcome is determined by extent of joint disruption and control of infectious agents.     

RADIOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF PRIMARY AND CONCOMITANT FLEXOR ENTHESOPATHY IN THE CANINE ELBOW

Primary flexor enthesopathy is a recently recognized elbow disorder and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of elbow lameness. For treatment planning purposes, it is important to make a distinction between primary and concomitant forms of the disease. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare radiographic findings for dogs with primary flexor enthesopathy (n = 17), concomitant flexor enthesopathy (n = 24), elbow dysplasia (n = 13), and normal dogs (n = 7). All dogs underwent a complete radiographic examination and each radiographic image was evaluated for the presence or absence of following characteristics: irregular medial humeral epicondyle, spur and calcified body. Additionally, the presence or absence of other elbow disorders (medial coronoid process disease, osteochondritis dissecans, ununited anconeal process, incongruity, subtrochlear sclerosis, and osteoarthritis) was recorded. Radiographic characteristics of flexor enthesopathy were found in 86% of painful joints in the primary flexor enthesopathy group and in 100% of painful joints in the concomitant flexor enthesopathy group. Radiographic characteristics of flexor enthesopathy were not found in sound elbow and elbow dysplasia groups. Frequencies and details of individual radiographic characteristics did not differ between primary and concomitant flexor enthesopathy groups. Findings support the use of radiography as a first screening method for detection of flexor enthesopathy, but not as a technique for distinguishing primary vs. concomitant forms.