Subchondral bone density pattern in the canine carpal joint

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the subchondral bone density in the canine carpal joint in order to understand the long-term loading situation of the joint. Material and methods: 80 joints of 40 dogs of varying age were examined by means of computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry. Results: The subchondral bone density increases with increasing age. However, the bone density distribution patterns stay the same. In the antebrachiocarpal joint, the joint with the highest range of motion, areas with high bone density are found dorsomedially. In both the midcarpal and carpornetacarpal jointthey are more equally distributed over the joint surfaces. No differences were found between dogs of different sex nor between left and right joints of one individual. Conclusion: Characteristic load distribution patterns in the canine carpal joint occur due to the physiologic hyperextension and carpus-valgus-position of the joint together with the limitated range of motion in the distal joints. Clinical relevance: High loading situations of distinct areas of the joint surfaces are one possible cause of typical injuries in the canine carpal joint.