Ellis et al: Comparison of Hounsfield Units within the Humeral Trochlea and Medial Coronoid Process in a Population of Labrador X Golden Retriever Guide Dogs and Border Collies
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • 86 elbows assessed: 32 Guide Dogs, 11 Border Collies
  • Guide Dogs showed significantly higher HU values in:
    • MCP: min (p = 0.022), mean (p < 0.01), max (p < 0.01)
    • Humeral trochlea: mean (p < 0.01), max (p < 0.01)
  • Results imply breed-associated HU variation, not necessarily pathologic sclerosis
  • Relevance: Important to avoid false positives for elbow dysplasia during CT-based breeding screens
  • Good interobserver agreement for mean HU values (ICC ~0.82–0.90)

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Ellis et al: Comparison of Hounsfield Units within the Humeral Trochlea and Medial Coronoid Process in a Population of Labrador X Golden Retriever Guide Dogs and Border Collies
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • 86 elbows assessed: 32 Guide Dogs, 11 Border Collies
  • Guide Dogs showed significantly higher HU values in:
    • MCP: min (p = 0.022), mean (p < 0.01), max (p < 0.01)
    • Humeral trochlea: mean (p < 0.01), max (p < 0.01)
  • Results imply breed-associated HU variation, not necessarily pathologic sclerosis
  • Relevance: Important to avoid false positives for elbow dysplasia during CT-based breeding screens
  • Good interobserver agreement for mean HU values (ICC ~0.82–0.90)

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Ellis 2024 et al., what was the significant finding in the MCP HU values in Guide Dogs vs Border Collies?

A. Guide Dogs had lower mean HU
B. Border Collies had lower minimum HU
C. Guide Dogs had higher mean and maximum HU
D. Border Collies had higher maximum HU
E. No significant differences found

Answer: Guide Dogs had higher mean and maximum HU

Explanation: Hounsfield units were significantly higher in the MCP of Guide Dogs across mean and maximum measures (p < 0.01):contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
In Ellis 2024 et al., which region showed significantly higher mean HU in Guide Dogs?

A. Femoral condyle
B. Humeral trochlea
C. Ulnar medulla
D. Anconeal process
E. Trochlear notch

Answer: Humeral trochlea

Explanation: Guide Dogs had significantly higher mean HU in the humeral trochlea (mean difference 146.49 HU, p < 0.01):contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
In Ellis 2024 et al., what conclusion was drawn regarding sclerosis seen on elbow CT in Guide Dogs?

A. It reliably indicates MCP disease
B. It is not breed-dependent
C. It should be interpreted with caution
D. It has no relevance to diagnosis
E. It correlates with age alone

Answer: It should be interpreted with caution

Explanation: Higher HU values (suggestive of sclerosis) in Guide Dogs were not linked to elbow pathology and may reflect breed variation:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
In Ellis 2024 et al., which HU metric showed the best interobserver agreement?

A. Minimum HU
B. Maximum HU
C. Mean HU
D. HU ratio
E. MCP index

Answer: Mean HU

Explanation: Mean HU values had good interobserver agreement (ICC ~0.82–0.90), unlike minimum or maximum HU:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
In Ellis 2024 et al., what was the purpose of using standardized CT reconstruction planes?

A. To speed up image analysis
B. To reduce motion blur
C. To minimize radiation exposure
D. To ensure consistent HU measurements
E. To measure cartilage thickness

Answer: To ensure consistent HU measurements

Explanation: Standardized reconstruction planes were used to consistently define regions of interest and reduce interobserver variability:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

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