The first high-precision 3D in vivo hindlimb kinematic data to be recorded in normal dogs of four different breeds (Beagle, French bulldog, Malinois, Whippet) using biplanar, high-frequency fluoroscopy combined with a 3D optoelectric system followed by a markerless XROMM analysis (Scientific Rotoscoping, SR or 3D-2D registration process) reveal a) 3D hindlimb kinematics to an unprecedented degree of precision and b) substantial limitations to the use of skin marker-based data. We expected hindlimb kinematics to differ in relation to body shape. But, a comparison of the four breeds sets the French bulldog aside from the others in terms of trajectories in the frontal plane (abduction/adduction) and long axis rotation of the femur. French bulldogs translate extensive femoral long axis rotation (>30°) into a strong lateral displacement and rotations about the craniocaudal (roll) and the distal-proximal (yaw) axes of the pelvis in order to compensate for a highly abducted hindlimb position from the beginning of stance. We assume that breeds which exhibit unusual kinematics, especially high femoral abduction, might be susceptible to a higher long-term loading of the cruciate ligaments.

Background French bulldogs exhibit significantly larger femoral external rotation and abduction than other breeds. We were curious as to whether this peculiar leg kinematic affects patellar motion and/or might induce medial patellar subluxation (MPSL) or medial patellar permanent luxation (MPPL). We hypothesized that the more abducted leg posture during stance causes an unusual medial pull direction of the rectus femoris muscle during stance, and that this may facilitate the occurrence of MPSL or even MPPL during locomotion. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed existing stifle-joint X-ray-sequences collected during the treadmill walk and trot of seven adult female French bulldogs. We estimated 3D-patellar kinematics using Scientific Rotoscoping. Results The three-dimensional motion of the patella comprises rotations and translations. From the seven dogs analyzed, three exhibited MPSL and one MPPL during the gait cycle. Medial patellar luxation (MPL) occurred mostly around toe-off in both gaits studied. Patellar position was generally not gait-related at the analyzed timepoints. In dogs with MPL, the patella was placed significantly more distally (p = 0.037) at touch-down (TD) and at midswing (p = 0.024), and significantly more medial at midswing (p = 0.045) compared to dogs without MPL. Conclusions Medial patellar luxation seems to be the consequence of the far from parasagittal position of the stifle joint during stance due to a broad trunk, and a wide pelvis. This peculiar leg orientation leads to a medial sideway pull caused by the rectus femoris muscle and the quadriceps femoris and may initiate plastic deformation of the growing femur and tibia. Thus, a way to avoid MPL could be to control breeding by selecting dogs with lean bodies and narrow pelvis. Actual breeding control programs based on the orthopedic examination are susceptible to errors. Systematic errors arise from the fact that the grading system is highly dependent on the dog’s condition and the veterinarians’ ability to perform the palpation on the stifle. Based on our results, the position of the patella at TD, or even perhaps during stand might offer a possibility of an objective radioscopic diagnostic of the MPL.