Comparison of the proximal tibial angles between Labrador Retrievers and other dog breeds with and without cranial cruciate ligament rupture

Abstract

The influence of the proximal tibia conformation in the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is still controversial, especially in Labrador Retrievers. The aim of this study was to compare the angles of the proximal tibia between Labrador Retrievers and other large breeds of dogs, both groups with and without CCL rupture. Radiographic images of 64 stifle joints were obtained and divided into four groups of 16 images. Group 1 consisted of Labrador dogs without orthopedic disorders, group 2 consisted of Labrador dogs with CCL rupture, group 3 consisted of dogs of various large breeds without orthopedic disorders, and group 4 consisted of dogs of various large breeds with CCL rupture. The radiographs were performed in mediolateral projection with the stifle joint positioned at an approximate angle of 135°. The tibial plateau angle showed an overall average of 22.17°±4.20°, and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. The patellar ligament angle in relation to the tibial plateau had a mean of 103°±4.20°, and there was a significant difference between groups 1 and 4. The patellar ligament angle in relation to the common tangent at the tibiofemoral contact point showed an average of 99.06°±6.08°, and there was no difference between the groups. The patellar ligament insertion angle had an overall average of 51.45°±5.06°, and there was a significant difference between the two groups of normal dogs and two groups of ruptured dogs. In conclusion, the tibial plateau angle, the patellar ligament angles and the patellar ligament insertion angle do not seem to be predisposing factors for rupture of the CCL in Labrador Retriever dogs. In general, there seems to be no relationship between the angles of the proximal tibia and the CCL rupture in dogs.Keywords: tibial plateau, patellar ligament, tibiofemoral tangent, stifle joint RESUMO A influência da conformação da porção proximal da tíbia na ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial (LCC) em cães ainda é controversa, principalmente na raça Labrador Retriever. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os ângulos da tíbia proximal entre cães da raça Labrador Retriever e cães de outras raças grandes com e sem ruptura do LCC. Foram selecionadas 64 imagens radiográficas da articulação do joelho de cães, que foram divididas em quatro grupos com 16 imagens cada. O grupo 1 foi formado por cães da raça Labrador sem alterações ortopédicas, o grupo 2 por cães da raça Labrador com ruptura do LCC, o grupo 3 por cães de várias raças grandes sem alterações ortopédicas, e o grupo 4 por cães de

Radiographic assessment of the proximal tibial angles in dogs and cats with and without cranial cruciate ligament rupture

“…In the current study, with the intention to develop a more accurate method to evaluate the lever arm of the extensor mechanism, the PLIA was measured and ratio of the lengths of the lines (X/Y) was calculated to allow for the comparison of values between animals of different sizes (Arruda et al 2015). Theoretically, a longer patellar tendon lever arm will lower the required strength of the quadriceps to move the tibia and promote extension of the stifle joint (Boudrieau 2009, Guerrero et al 2011.…”

“…Measurement of the patellar ligament insertion angle (PLIA) was also measured according to Arruda et al (2015). A first straight line was drawn from the site of insertion of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity to the tibiofemoral contact point (line X), and a second line was drawn from the site of insertion of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity to the most cranial aspect of the patella (line Y).…”

“…The influence of the proximal tibial angles in the CCL rupture in dogs is still controversial (Arruda et al 2015), and little is known regarding this topic in cats. Some studies have suggested that the slope of the tibial plateau may be an important predisposing factor for CCL rupture in dogs (Zeltzman et al 2005, Osmond et al 2006, Kim et al 2008.…”

Electrocautery technique for proximal tibial epiphysiodesis in Labrador retriever puppies: experimental study

“…Mediolateral radiographs were performed with the stifle joint at an angle of approximately 135°, which is the limb support angle of the joint. In the mediolateral radiographs, measurements were taken of the tibial plateau angle and patellar ligament angle in relation to the tibial plateau (Collins et al, 2014, Arruda et al, 2015. The craniocaudal radiographs were taken to confirm the health of the joint during the preoperative period and to evaluate possible joint changes in the postoperative period.…”

“…More recently, it was believed that this disease may occur due to the tibial plateau angle (Osmond et al, 2006;Kim et al, 2008). Radiographic exams aid in the evaluation of DJD following rupture, but they are essential for measuring the tibial plateau angle and other angles and measurements of the proximal tibia for surgical planning (Cadmus et al, 2014;Collins et al, 2014;Arruda et al, 2015). A radiographic study showed that dogs with CCL rupture have a greater angle of the tibial plateau than dogs without the disorder (Osmond et al, 2006).…”