Stifle Radiography

Question 1

What views are used in Stifle radiography

Answer 1

Mediolateral
Caudocranial

Question 2

Why do we use caudo-cranial rather than cranio-caudal?

Answer 2

Cranio-caudal view can result in magnification distortion as it is difficult to get the stifle close to the table

Question 3

Mediolateral Stifle Radiography Positioning

Answer 3

○ Dog placed in lateral recumbency
○ Stifle placed directly onto cassette
○ Retract contralateral limb dorsally and tie
○ Extend limb of interest to avoid superimposition of body wall
○ Stifle should be neutral
○ Ensure stifle is parallel to cassette by placing foam wedge under hock if required
○ Secure distal limb with sandbag

Question 4

Mediolateral Stifle Radiography Centring

Answer 4

• Centre of joint
• Medial femoral epicondyle

Question 5

Mediolateral Stifle Radiography Collimation

Answer 5

○ Whole of stifle
○ Distal 1/3 of femur
○ Proximal 1/3 of tibia/fibula

Question 6

Caudo-cranial Stifle Radiography Positioning

Answer 6

○ Dog placed in sternal recumbency
○ Extend limb of interest caudally and place directly on cassette
Ensure femur, tibia and fibula are in a straight line
○ Sandbag on pelvis may help maintain extension of hip
○ Contralateral limb is lifted laterally by a sandbag
○ Secure distal limb with sandbag
○ Palpate limb to ensure both epicondyles of femur are same distance from cassette

Question 7

Caudo-cranial Stifle Radiography Centring

Answer 7

○ Centre of joint
○ Distal to femoral epicondyles

Question 8

Caudo-cranial Stifle Radiography Collimation