34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

To identify and map bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in CrCL-deficient dogs using preoperative stifle MRI and evaluate their association with articular cartilage and meniscal damage.

Methods:

Dogs with suspected CrCL rupture underwent preoperative MRI of the affected stifle. BMLs, classified as oedematous or cystic-like, were evaluated and mapped at 20 distinct femoral and tibial sites according to a human-based classification system. Ligament, articular cartilage, meniscus, and subchondral bone lesions were graded semi-quantitatively. Epidemiological and clinical data were also collected.

Results:

Fifty-one dogs were included, all with confirmed CrCL rupture (partial 33%, complete 66%). Five dogs exhibited bilateral ruptures. BMLs were identified in 95% of the affected limbs. Of these, 40% showed only oedematous BMLs, 6% had only cystic-like lesions, and 54% exhibited mixed lesions. Oedematous BMLs were found in 81% of affected limbs (mean 2.4 ± 1.5 lesions per joint), equally distributed between femoral and tibial locations. Extensive BMLs accounted for 56.7%, with 35% extending into the femoral or tibial metaphysis, predominantly involving the caudal femoral condyles and the medial or central tibial plateau. Cystic-like lesions occurred primarily in femoral locations (60%), mostly in the intercondylar area. Meniscal and cartilage lesions were observed in 62.7% and 19.6% of stifles, respectively, and were significantly associated with BMLs.

Conclusions:

Bone marrow lesions in CrCL-ruptured stifles are very common and significantly associated with meniscal and cartilage damage, suggesting their potential as markers for joint degeneration. Their impact on the physiopathology of CrCL rupture and their clinical significance require further investigation.