6- How to take a radiograph of a dog’s stifle

Question 1

What are the 2 common radiographic views used to image the stifle?

Answer 1

Lateral (mediolateral)

Caudo-cranial (dorso-ventral)

Question 2

Where is the upper limb placed in the lateral view?

Answer 2

Cranially out the way with a rope
Laterally out the way

Question 3

Collimation of the stifle laterally

Answer 3

50% of femur & 50% tibia/fibula - include soft tissues cranial and caudal to stifle

Centre on joint

Question 4

What structure should be superimposed on a good lateral stifle radiograph?

Answer 4

Femoral condyles

Question 5

Describe the cauda-cranial view of the stifle

Answer 5

The dog placed in ventral recumbency with the limb in extension

Sandbag on pelvis may help maintain extension

Opposite limb is lifted laterally by a sandbag/rolled up towel - non-rotated position

Question 6

Describe the collimation of the stifle caudo-cranially

Answer 6

Centre at the middle of the stifle joint
Collimate to include the distal 50% of the femur and proximal 50% of the tibia / fibula

Question 7

What can go wrong with a craniotomy-caudal view of the stifle?

Answer 7

Magnification distortion as it is difficult to get the stifle close to the table

May struggle t not have it rotated