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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2024; 37(05): 230-235
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782682
Original Research

Evaluation of Meniscal Load and Load Distribution in the Sound Canine Stifle at Different Angles of Flexion

Authors

  • Johannes Maximilian Schmutterer

    1   Clinic for Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

  • Peter Augat

    2   Institute for Biomechanics, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Murnau, Murnau, Germany
    3   Institute for Biomechanics, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

  • Markus Greinwald

    2   Institute for Biomechanics, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Murnau, Murnau, Germany

  • Andrea Meyer-Lindenberg

    1   Clinic for Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany

Funding The study was supported by a research grant from AO Foundation.
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Abstract

Objectives The aim of the study was to investigate the contact mechanics and kinematic changes in the stifle in different standing angles.

Study Design We performed a biomechanical ex vivo study using pairs of canine cadaver hindlimbs. Motion sensors were fixed to the tibia and the femur for kinematic data acquisition. Pressure mapping sensors were placed between the femur and both menisci. Thirty percent bodyweight was applied to the limbs with the stifle in 125, 135, or 145 degrees of extension.

Results Stifle flexion angle influences femoromeniscal contact mechanics significantly. The load on both menisci was significantly higher for 125 and 135 degrees in comparison to 145 degrees. Additionally, the center of force was located significantly more caudal when comparing 125 to 145 degrees in the medial meniscus as well as in both menisci combined.

Conclusion The angle of knee flexion significantly impacts the contact mechanics between the femur and the meniscus. As the knee flexes, the load on both menisci increases

Keywords

stifle joint - knee biomechanics - menisci - standing angle

Authors' Contribution

J.S., A.M-L., and P.A. contributed to conception of the study, study design, data analysis, and interpretation. M.G. and J.S. additionally contributed to data acquisition and data analysis. All the authors also drafted, revised, and approved the submitted manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 16 March 2023

Accepted: 29 January 2024

Article published online:
16 April 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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