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Longo et al: Computed tomographic measurements of the femoral trochlea in dogs with and without medial patellar luxation
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • Dogs with MPL had significantly shallower femoral trochlear grooves compared to controls, based on CT-measured femoral trochlear groove angle (FTGA).
  • FTGA >134° in small breeds (SB) and >128° in medium/large breeds (MLB) were associated with MPL and can serve as surgical thresholds for considering trochleoplasty.
  • FTA and FTRIA measurements were less reliable, showing lower sensitivity/specificity than FTGA.
  • Inter-rater reliability for FTGA was excellent (ICC > 0.9), supporting its use in clinical decision-making.
  • FTGA differed significantly between SB and MLB dogs, suggesting anatomical variation influences MPL predisposition.
  • Dogs with MPL but with FTGA below threshold may not benefit from trochleoplasty, supporting individualized surgical planning.
  • CT provides more precise and reproducible evaluation of trochlear morphology than radiography or ultrasound.
  • The study introduces a CT protocol using P25 and P50 reference points for consistent FTGA measurement.

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← Articles

Longo et al: Computed tomographic measurements of the femoral trochlea in dogs with and without medial patellar luxation
Veterinary Surgery 3, 2023

🔍 Key Findings

  • Dogs with MPL had significantly shallower femoral trochlear grooves compared to controls, based on CT-measured femoral trochlear groove angle (FTGA).
  • FTGA >134° in small breeds (SB) and >128° in medium/large breeds (MLB) were associated with MPL and can serve as surgical thresholds for considering trochleoplasty.
  • FTA and FTRIA measurements were less reliable, showing lower sensitivity/specificity than FTGA.
  • Inter-rater reliability for FTGA was excellent (ICC > 0.9), supporting its use in clinical decision-making.
  • FTGA differed significantly between SB and MLB dogs, suggesting anatomical variation influences MPL predisposition.
  • Dogs with MPL but with FTGA below threshold may not benefit from trochleoplasty, supporting individualized surgical planning.
  • CT provides more precise and reproducible evaluation of trochlear morphology than radiography or ultrasound.
  • The study introduces a CT protocol using P25 and P50 reference points for consistent FTGA measurement.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Longo 2023 et al., on CT trochlear measurements, what was the most reliable parameter for determining the need for trochleoplasty in dogs with MPL?

A. Femoral trochlear angle (FTA)
B. Femoral trochlear ridge inclination angle (FTRIA)
C. Femoral trochlear groove angle (FTGA)
D. Cartilage thickness on MRI
E. Trochlear depth on ultrasound

Answer: Femoral trochlear groove angle (FTGA)

Explanation: FTGA had the highest sensitivity, specificity, and inter-rater agreement (ICC > 0.9).
In Longo 2023 et al., on CT trochlear measurements, what difference in FTGA was observed between small and medium/large breed dogs without MPL?

A. FTGA was greater (shallower) in MLB dogs
B. No difference in FTGA between breeds
C. FTGA was smaller (deeper) in SB dogs
D. FTGA was greater (shallower) in SB dogs
E. FTGA was higher in older dogs only

Answer: FTGA was greater (shallower) in SB dogs

Explanation: Small breed dogs without MPL had significantly greater (shallower) FTGA than medium/large breeds, suggesting breed-specific anatomy.
In Longo 2023 et al., on CT trochlear measurements, what best describes the significance of FTA and FTRIA in surgical planning for MPL?

A. Both are highly reliable and used alongside FTGA
B. They are essential for diagnosing grade IV MPL
C. They showed poor inter-rater agreement and should be avoided
D. They were less predictive than FTGA and had lower sensitivity
E. They were superior to FTGA in predicting surgical outcomes

Answer: They were less predictive than FTGA and had lower sensitivity

Explanation: FTA and FTRIA had lower sensitivity and specificity than FTGA and were less reliable for guiding surgical decisions.
In Longo 2023 et al., on CT trochlear measurements, which statement is TRUE regarding the clinical utility of FTGA?

A. It has poor interobserver reliability and is hard to measure
B. Thresholds differ by breed size and guide decision-making
C. It is best measured via radiography, not CT
D. Only useful in advanced MPL (grade IV)
E. Does not correlate with MPL presence

Answer: Thresholds differ by breed size and guide decision-making

Explanation: FTGA provided distinct thresholds for small and large breeds and helped determine the need for trochleoplasty.
In Longo 2023 et al., on CT trochlear measurements, what FTGA threshold was proposed for recommending trochleoplasty in small breed dogs?

A. <128°
B. >134°
C. <134°
D. >120°
E. <140°

Answer: >134°

Explanation: FTGA >134° was associated with MPL in small breeds, suggesting shallowness that may warrant trochleoplasty.

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