Effective ultrasonography protocol for investigating muscular structures of the canine dorsolateral hip region with comparative magnetic resonance imaging.

A validated ultrasonography protocol enables accurate identification of eight dorsolateral hip muscles in dogs, facilitating diagnosis and treatment.

This study established and validated a standardized ultrasonography protocol for identifying eight key muscles of the canine dorsolateral hip region, with verification through 3-Tesla MRI and gross dissection. Using five skeletally mature canine cadavers (10 limbs), researchers documented the ultrasonographic appearance, origins, insertions, and anatomical relationships of the middle gluteal, deep gluteal, superficial gluteal, piriformis, biceps femoris, internal obturator, gemelli, and quadratus femoris muscles. The sacrotuberous ligament and sciatic nerve were additionally characterized as anatomical landmarks to facilitate muscle identification. Accuracy of the ultrasonographic protocol was validated through ultrasound-guided dye injections performed independently by two board-certified diplomates (American College of Veterinary Radiology and American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation), followed by gross dissection. All eight muscles were accurately identified by both operators in every specimen, demonstrating strong inter-operator consistency. The correlation between ultrasonographic images and MRI findings further confirmed the reliability of the protocol. This work is clinically significant because the dorsolateral hip musculature plays a critical role in joint stability, and injuries to these structures are increasingly recognized in canine patients, particularly athletic and working dogs. Previously, evaluation of this region relied heavily on advanced imaging modalities such as MRI and CT. This protocol provides clinicians with a practical, accessible, and accurate tool for real-time assessment, monitoring, and ultrasound-guided treatment of soft tissue pathology in the dorsolateral hip region.

This summary was distilled by AI and may occasionally misinterpret data. Confirm critical details with the primary literature before clinical application.