Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Normal Stifle Joint in Buffaloes (Bos bubalis): An Anatomic Study

This research has been conducted in order to describe the normal anatomical structures of the stifle joint in buffaloes (Bos bubalis) by using the magnetic resonance imaging and the corresponding anatomical sections. The anatomical slices were used to facilitate the interpretation of the MRI images, and therefore the diagnosis for stifle related diseases would be much easier. 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. After that, the limbs were sectioned by using an electric band saw according to the corresponding MRI images after freezing at -20° for 48 hours. Clinically relevant anatomic structures were identified and labeled at each level of the matching images (MR and anatomic slices). MRI images were used to recognize the bony and soft tissue structures of the stifle joint. The articular cartilage appeared as line of hyperintensity which was separated from the subcondral bone by gray line (moderate signal intensity). It was difficult to differentiate between the synovia, infrapatellar fat body and the articular cartilage because of the similar hyperintensity. The meniscial, femoropatellar and cruciate ligaments were recognized as moderate signal intensity. The collateral ligaments and intermediate patellar ligaments, and the common tendon of the Mm. extensor digitorum longus and peroneus tertius, as well as, the menisci and the medial patellar fibrocartilage appeared as hypointense signal. The knowledge of normal anatomy of the stifle joint would serve as initial reference and guide for the stifle diagnosis of the suspected buffaloes by using MRI technique.