Canine stifle joint biomechanics associated with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy predicted by use of a computer model

Abstract

In the model, stifle joint biomechanics were partially improved after TPLO, compared with CrCL-deficient stifle joint biomechanics, but TPLO did not fully restore CrCL-intact stifle joint biomechanics. Overrotation of the tibial fragment negatively influenced stifle joint biomechanics by increasing caudal tibial translation.

Influence of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement on passive laxity of the cranial cruciate deficient stifle in dogs

“…Biomechanical studies evaluating TPLO and TTA have used various methods to generate cranial tibial thrust and have shown that both techniques result in active stability of the CCL deficient stifle . All of these in vitro studies reported that both TPLO and TTA effectively stopped the cranial translation of the tibia relative to the femur in the CCL deficient stifle by neutralizing the cranial component of the joint reaction force.…”

Canine Stifle Biomechanics Associated With Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Predicted Using a Computer Model

“…Previous studies have found cranial tibial translation may be either reduced, neutralized, or converted to caudal tibial translation following TTA . However, if cranial tibial translation is converted to caudal tibial translation, the caudal cruciate ligament may experience increased strain or loading and be predisposed to injury . Increased loads placed on the patellar ligament may lead to thickening of the ligament, but the relevance of this change remains unknown .…”

“…Canine pelvic limb computer simulation models with anatomically accurate geometry and active muscle forces have been used to investigate ligament loading patterns and stifle kinematics in the intact stifle, CrCL‐deficient stifle, and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy‐treated stifle during the stance phase of gait . Computer models have also been used to predict the sensitivity of biomechanical outcomes to variation of anatomic and surgical parameters .…”

“…13 However, if cranial tibial translation is converted to caudal tibial translation, the caudal cruciate ligament may experience increased strain or loading and be predisposed to injury. 18,19 Increased loads placed on the patellar ligament may lead to thickening of the ligament, but the relevance of this change remains unknown. 20 The effects of TTA on tibial rotational stability are unclear and in vitro assessment indicates that TTA may reduce internal rotation in the CrCL-deficient stifle but may not return tibial rotation to that of the CrCL-intact stifle at midstance.…”

“…Canine pelvic limb computer simulation models with anatomically accurate geometry and active muscle forces have been used to investigate ligament loading patterns and stifle kinematics in the intact stifle, CrCL-deficient stifle, and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy-treated stifle during the stance phase of gait. 18,[24][25][26][27][28] Computer models have also been used to predict the sensitivity of biomechanical outcomes to variation of anatomic and surgical parameters. 24,25,28 This study implemented TTA using the tibial plateau slope and common tangent planning techniques into our previously developed quasi-static canine pelvic limb 3-dimensional computer simulation model and evaluated stifle ligament loading patterns, relative tibial translation, and relative tibial rotation during the stance phase of gait.…”