Comparison of bone mineral density in medial coronoid processes of dogs with and without medial coronoid process fragmentation

Objective

To quantify bone mineral density (BMD) in the medial coronoid process (MCP) of dogs with and without fragmented medial coronoid processes (FMCPs) by use of dual- energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Methods

Each sample was mounted in proximodistal and mediolateral orientations for BMD determinations via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and area-of-interest data (0.03-cm2 increments) were obtained. Values of BMD were compared between left and right limb control samples, between control and FMCP samples, and between axial and abaxial re- gions of the control or FMCP samples.

Results

The BMD in control and FMCP samples in both proximodistal and mediolateral orientations differed significantly. Mean BMD throughout the MCP was decreased in FMCP samples, compared with control sample findings. In both control and FMCP samples, BMD of the abaxial half of the MCP was 50% higher than that of the axial portion.

Clinical relevance

This difference may predispose the coronoid process to microcrack formation and fragmentation at that juxtaposition.