High resolution ultrasonography of normal canine stifle

B mode and Doppler ultrasonography of stifle joints in 23 clinically normal dogs using linear transducers (7.5 to 18 MHz) in sagittal and transverse planes was performed to study the sonographic anatomy and record measurements. Normal structures identified included patellar ligament, quadriceps tendon, patella, femoral condyles, tibial plateau, suprapatellar recess, articular cartilage of femoral condyles, medial and lateral menisci, medial and lateral collateral ligaments, extensor tendon and cranial cruciate ligament. Thickness of patellar and collateral ligaments, area of infrapatellar fat pad and thickness of articular cartilage were measured which may serve as a reference value for the diagnosis of various soft tissue affections of stifle joint in dogs. The results indicated that for the optimal visualization of the structures of stifle, 7.5 MHz linear transducer is required, but 18 MHz linear transducer facilitates distinct visualization of all the minute structures.