Accuracy and reliability of tibial torsion measurement using radiography and ultrasound in dogs

Tibial torsion assessment is crucial for understanding deformities and malalignments that can lead to joint pathologies in dogs. Different methods such as radiography, computed tomography (CT), and three-dimensional (3D) volume-rendering techniques have been employed to measure tibial torsion. This study compared the accuracy and reliability of tibial torsion angle (TTa) measurements obtained using radiography and ultrasound tilting techniques against those obtained using the 3D volume-rendering method in small-to-medium-sized non-chondrodystrophic dogs. Seven dogs with 11 hind limbs were included in this study. Descriptive statistics revealed mean TTa values for radiography (1.6° ± 5.14°), ultrasound (2.92° ± 3.98°), CT (4.57° ± 3.44°), and 3D volume-rendering method (5.29° ± 3.30°). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis indicated excellent intra- and interobserver agreement between the radiography and ultrasound methods. Correlation analysis showed positive correlations between all the methods. These findings demonstrate that radiography and the ultrasound tilting technique are reliable alternatives for measuring TTa. Although slightly lower ICC values were observed than those of the 3D volume-rendering technique, the radiography and ultrasound methods still exhibited good to excellent reliability, suggesting that these alternative methods could be effective diagnostic tools for assessing TTa in clinical settings with high accuracy and reliability.