Ultrasonographic evaluation of cranial cruciate ligament rupture via dynamic intra-articular saline injection

Ultrasonographic examination of both stifle joints of five clinically and radiographically normal adult dogs was performed before and after surgical transection of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL). At pre- and post-surgery, the hyperechoic patellar ligament and the infrapatellar fat interfered with sonographic visualization of the CrCL. When the stifle joint, however, was imaged via dynamic intra-articular saline injection, the hyperechoic ligament was visualized because of the separation of the infrapatellar fat and the CrCL and the contrasting effect of anechoic saline. When the stifle joint was imaged by real-time scanning after the transection of the CrCL, flutter of the ligament and an anechoic area between the bone and the CrCL were identified. The increased diameter of the ligament and the increased thickness of the joint space were identified as well. Ultrasonographic examination via dynamic saline injection into the joint space has potential as a diagnostic tool for assessing CrCL rupture.