Effects of tibial plateau angle and spacer thickness applied during in vitro canine total knee replacement on three-dimensional kinematics and collateral ligament strain

Abstract

Among the constructs tested, greatest normalization of canine stifle joint kinematics in vitro was achieved with the steepest plateau angle paired with the thinnest spacer. Furthermore, results indicated that strain to the collateral ligaments was not negatively affected by TKR.

Surgical Navigation Improves the Precision and Accuracy of Tibial Component Alignment in Canine Total Knee Replacement

“…Given the caudal slope of the canine stifle, as compared with the relatively flat tibial plateau in people, it is likely that the canine stifle is more tolerant of small errors in component angulation in the sagittal plane. This is supported by results from a recent study by Baker et al in which the authors reported that joint kinematics and medial collateral ligament strains were similar in tibial components implanted at 8° and at the recommended 6° . In contrast, our data on the effects of frontal plane malalignment confirm that stifle loading is sensitive to errors in this plane .…”

Evaluation of the relationship of tibiofemoral kinematics before and after total knee replacement in an in vitro model of cranial cruciate deficiency in the dog

“…These changes alter loading within the joint and contribute to a negative mechanical environment of the TKR prosthesis, leading to the progression of disease and ultimately failure (21). As stated previously, kinematics of the canine stifle in a modified Oxford simulator to evaluate effects of variable implant placement has been reported (16).…”

“…A modified OKR described by Baker and colleagues was used to move a cadaveric limb through a range of passive motion allowing the kinematics of the stifle to be evaluated (16). Briefly, a hemipelvis specimen was bolted to a custom made bar of angle iron through the ischial tuberosity and sacroiliac joint of the ilium and the angle iron (▶ Figure 1) was attached to a mechanical crosshead.…”

“…One clinically available canine TKR system a with supportive clinical data consists of two components: a cobalt chromium alloy femoral component designed for cementless fixation, and an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial component designed for cemented fixation (3). Extensive studies have been performed on the effects of TKR on kinematics of the human knee joint (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16). In contrast, limited kinematic data are available on the effects that TKR have on the canine stifle joint.…”

“…No data exists to document three-dimensional kinematic changes in vivo in dogs with clinically appropriate sized TKR implants. Recently, Baker and a Canine Total Knee: BioMedtrix, LLC, Boonton, NJ, USA colleagues quantified the in vitro threeimensional kinematics and collateral ligament strain of the canine stifle before and after cranial cruciate ligament transection followed by TKR with varying plateau angles and spacer thicknesses (16). Experimental testing with knee simulators is used often to provide quantitative evaluation of the kinematics of joints (17).…”