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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2001; 14(02): 90-94
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632681
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy of a discoid lateral meniscus in a dog

S. Ohlerth
1   Section of Small Animal Radiology, University of Bern, Switzerland
,
J. Lang
1   Section of Small Animal Radiology, University of Bern, Switzerland
,
J. Scheidegger
3   The Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Tiefenau Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
,
H. Nötzli
4   The Department of Orthopedics, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland
,
U. Rytz
2   Surgery, Kleintierklinik, University of Bern, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 21 July 2000

Accepted 01 December 2000

Publication Date:
09 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

For the first time in veterinary literature, magnetic resonance and arthroscopic features of a discoid lateral meniscus in a dog are described. A 15-monthold Labrador Retriever with a history of mild intermittent left hindlimb lameness was referred to our clinic. Physical examination revealed mild joint effusion of the left stifle and absence of a cranial drawer motion and tibial compression test. Survey radiographs demonstrated mild joint effusion and peri-articular new bone formation. Low-field magnetic resonance tomography of the left stifle joint demonstrated injury of the cranial cruciate ligament and a discoid lateral meniscus. Two weeks later, arthroscopy revealed a partial tear of the cranial cruciate ligament with mild synovitis. Furthermore, some fibres inserted abnormally cranial to the inter-meniscal and cranial tibial ligament of the medial meniscus. The lateral meniscus was discoid in shape. Subsequent arthrotomy confirmed the diagnoses. Discoid meniscus is a rare finding in the dog with unknown clinical relevance whereas it is well known in humans.

A 15-month-old Labrador Retriever with mild left hindlimb lameness, mild joint effusion of the left stifle but without signs of stifle instability is presented in this report. Low-field magnetic resonance tomography demonstrated injury of the cranial cruciate ligament and a discoid lateral meniscus. Subsequent arthroscopy and arthrotomy confirmed these findings. A literature review on discoid meniscus in humans and in dogs is presented.

Keywords

Discoid meniscus - cranial cruciate ligament - MRI - arthroscopy - dog
 

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