The aim of the present study was to describe the normal anatomy of the stifle joint in buffaloes (Bos bubalis) on
magnetic resonance images and related anatomical sectional slices to facilitate the interpretation of all these images, as well
as to understand the basis for diseases diagnosis. The hind limbs of ten healthy adult buffaloes (Twenty stifle joints) were used.
After slaughtering, MR images were made in sagittal, transverse, and dorsal planes. The limbs then were frozen at -20∘ then
correspondingly sectioned using an electric band saw. Clinically relevant anatomic structures were identified and labeled at each
level in the corresponding images (MR and anatomic slices). MRI images were used to identify the bony and soft tissue structures
of the stifle joint. The articular cartilage appeared with hyperintense signal and separated from the subcondral bone by gray line
(moderate signal intensity). It is difficult to differentiate between the synovia, infrapatellar fat body and the articular cartilage
because they appeared with hyperintense signal. The meniscial, femoropatellar and cruciate ligaments recognized as moderate
signal intensity. However, the collateral and intermediate patellar ligaments, the common tendon of the Mm. extensor digitorum
longus and peroneus tertius as well as the menisci and the medial patellar fibrocartilage appeared with hypointense signal. The
knowledge of normal anatomy of the buffalo stifle joint would serve as initial reference to the evaluation of MR images in this
species. |
