Real-time kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (KMRI) to evaluate medial glenohumeral ligament rupture in dogs: A preliminary cadaveric study

Authors: Francesca Del Signore, Andrea De Bonis, Matteo Rizzardi, Amanda Bianchi, Martina Rosto, Andrea Rubini, and Massimo Vignoli

Ger. J. Vet. Res 2026. vol. 6, Iss. 1 pp:59-66
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjvr.2026.1.0178

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Abstract:

Real-time kinematic magnetic resonance imaging (kMRI) is an imaging technique that records a structure's movement in real time. This study on cadavers evaluated the feasibility of real-time kMRI to evaluate shoulder instability before and after surgical medial glenohumeral ligament (MGL) transection. A total of 10 shoulders from 5 canine cadavers were included. Sagittal and dorsal T2W images were used as a baseline. 2D HYCE S sequence was acquired in the dorsal plane during shoulder abduction and adduction before and after MGL transection, with an operator providing continuous movement. Abduction and adduction were measured through the adjacent angle formed by the line connecting the center of the proximal humeral shaft to the middle of the humeral articular surface and the line that from this last point passed through the scapular long axis. Statistical analysis was performed with Jamovi software (Version 2.3). Means of angles before and after surgery in adduction and abduction were compared using the t-test. Sensitivity and specificity for the angle variation were determined with a ROC curve. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean pre-surgery abduction angle was 58.7° ± 8.16°, and the angle of post-surgical insult shoulders was 76.8° ± 10.5° (p< 0.05). No significant difference was observed in adduction. The ROC AUC was 0.89 with a cutoff value of >69.8°, indicating a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 100% for instability after MGL transection. Real-time kMRI performed on dogs with an abduction angle >69.8° has a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 100% for surgically induced MGL rupture.

Keywords:

Dog, Kinematic, MRI, Real-Time, Shoulder

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