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Hoenecke et al: Increased radiographic stifle soft tissue opacity in dogs with patella luxation
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • 65% of stifles with patella luxation and intact CCLs had increased radiographic soft tissue opacity
  • Weight and radiographic OA were significantly associated with increased opacity (p = .0029 and p = .0143)
  • Each 1 kg increase in weight increased the odds of opacity by 10%
  • Grade of patella luxation, age, and muscle atrophy were not significantly associated with increased opacity
  • 19% of dogs with long-term follow-up developed a CCL rupture post-patella surgery, 50% of those had opacity at initial presentation
  • Radiographic opacity alone should not be interpreted as CCL disease in dogs with patella luxation
  • Radiographic findings likely represent effusion or synovial hyperplasia, not CCL pathology
  • Arthrotomy was used to confirm CCL integrity at surgery, but arthroscopy could provide better sensitivity

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← Articles

Hoenecke et al: Increased radiographic stifle soft tissue opacity in dogs with patella luxation
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • 65% of stifles with patella luxation and intact CCLs had increased radiographic soft tissue opacity
  • Weight and radiographic OA were significantly associated with increased opacity (p = .0029 and p = .0143)
  • Each 1 kg increase in weight increased the odds of opacity by 10%
  • Grade of patella luxation, age, and muscle atrophy were not significantly associated with increased opacity
  • 19% of dogs with long-term follow-up developed a CCL rupture post-patella surgery, 50% of those had opacity at initial presentation
  • Radiographic opacity alone should not be interpreted as CCL disease in dogs with patella luxation
  • Radiographic findings likely represent effusion or synovial hyperplasia, not CCL pathology
  • Arthrotomy was used to confirm CCL integrity at surgery, but arthroscopy could provide better sensitivity

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Hoenecke 2025 et al., on radiographic opacity in patella luxation, what percentage of stifles in dogs with intact CCLs showed increased soft tissue opacity on radiographs?

A. 32%
B. 50%
C. 65%
D. 78%
E. 90%

Answer: 65%

Explanation: Opacity was present in 65% of stifles with patella luxation and no overt CCL disease.
In Hoenecke 2025 et al., on radiographic opacity in patella luxation, which variable was found to significantly increase the likelihood of radiographic soft tissue opacity in the stifle?

A. Grade of patellar luxation
B. Age
C. Weight
D. Muscle atrophy
E. Duration of clinical signs

Answer: Weight

Explanation: Weight was significantly associated with increased opacity, with each 1 kg increase raising odds by 10%.
In Hoenecke 2025 et al., on radiographic opacity in patella luxation, which diagnostic technique was suggested to provide better sensitivity than arthrotomy for subtle CCL damage?

A. Joint aspiration
B. CT scan
C. Arthroscopy
D. Radiographic grading
E. Ultrasonography

Answer: Arthroscopy

Explanation: Authors noted arthroscopy provides better sensitivity for subtle intra-articular changes than arthrotomy.
In Hoenecke 2025 et al., on radiographic opacity in patella luxation, what was the interpretation of increased radiographic soft tissue opacity in dogs without overt CCL pathology?

A. It always indicated early cruciate disease
B. It was strongly associated with muscle atrophy
C. It should not be assumed to represent CCL pathology
D. It was more common in grade IV luxation
E. It correlated with shorter duration of clinical signs

Answer: It should not be assumed to represent CCL pathology

Explanation: Authors emphasized opacity alone is not sufficient to diagnose CCL disease.
In Hoenecke 2025 et al., on radiographic opacity in patella luxation, what percentage of dogs with long-term follow-up developed subsequent CCL rupture?

A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 19%
D. 27%
E. 40%

Answer: 19%

Explanation: 4 of 21 dogs (19%) with long-term follow-up developed a CCL rupture after patella luxation surgery.

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