Pathology of structures within the neuromusculoskeletal system can result from skeletal malalignment, which the authors define as either abnormal joint alignment or deformity within a bone. Pathology can also result from correlated or compensatory motions or postures, which may accompany skeletal malalignment. The purposes of this clinical perspective are to: I) link common lower limb skeletal malalignments to their common correlated and compensatory motions and postures; and 2) document the age-specific normal skeletal postural alignment for joints and bones of the lower limb. The authors have combined literature review with their clinical perspectives and the clinical perspectives of selected colleagues in this paper to compile this information, which should be beneficial to health professionals involved in assessment, treatment, and prevention of lower quarter neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.

(1) The roles of NO in nociception are dual and complex. (2) NO via cNOS, produced transiently in small amounts, can bring dramatic relief to people with painful OA.

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Traditional investigations into the etiopathogenesis of canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease have focused primarily on the biological and mechanical insults to the CCL as a passive stabilizing structure of the stifle. However, with recent collaboration between veterinarians and physical therapists, an increased focus on the role of muscle activity and aberrant motor control mechanisms associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and rehabilitation in people has been transferred and applied to dogs with CCL disease. Motor control mechanisms in both intact and cruciate-deficient human knees may have direct translation to canine patients, because the sensory and motor components are similar, despite moderate anatomic and biomechanical differences. Components of motor control, such as muscle recruitment and the coordination and amplitudes of activation are strongly influenced by afferent proprioceptive signaling from peri- and intra-articular structures, including the cruciate ligaments. In people, alterations in the timing or amplitude of muscle contractions contribute to uncoordinated movement, which can play a critical role in ACL injury, joint instability and the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). A better understanding of motor control mechanisms as they relate to canine CCL disease is vitally important in identifying modifiable risk factors and applying preventative measures, for development of improved surgical and rehabilitative treatment strategies. The purpose of this review article is to analyze the influence of altered motor control, specifically pelvic limb muscle activation, in dogs with CCL disease as evidenced by mechanisms of ACL injury and rehabilitation in people.