Accuracy of Intraoperative Identification of the Tibial Intercondylar Eminence in the Sagittal Plane in Dogs

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative identification of the tibial intercondylar eminence (TIcE) in the sagittal plane in dogs. We hypothesized that the centre of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the anatomical position corresponding to the TIcE.

Materials and Methods: Twenty stifles from ex vivo dogs were evaluated in a mediolateral radiographic projection, with a hypodermic needle positioned at the centre of the MCL (C), immediately cranial (Cr), or caudal (Cd) to the ligament. The variables were analysed with the stifle in 90 and 135 degrees of flexion, both with an intact cranial cruciate ligament (CCL-In) and after mechanically transecting it (CCL-MT). The distance (d) between the TIcE and the centre of the needle was measured by three evaluators. The needle position, stifle flexion, and CCL condition in relation to “d” were analysed using a statistical linear mixed model, with contrasts obtained through the Bonferroni test (p < 0.05).

Results: The CCL-In and CCL-MT groups were analysed separately, revealing a statistically significant difference between needle position and stifle flexion (p < 0.05). For the CCL-In group, the C-90 degrees position was the anatomical reference point closest to the stifle centre (d = 0.45 ± 2.39), whereas, for the CCL-MT group, the C-135 degrees position was the closest (d = 0.11 ± 2.18).

Discussion/Conclusion: The centre of the MCL in the sagittal plane, with the stifle at 135 degrees of flexion, proved to be the most reliable intraoperative anatomical reference point for identifying the TIcE in dogs.

Acknowledgment

The authors acknowledge the FAPESP (2023/02788–6) and the CAPES (Finance Code 001) for financially supporting this study.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025