Patellofemoral kinematics in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency: an in-vivo fluoroscopic analysis during walking

Abstract

BackgroundComplete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs causes profound disturbance to stifle joint biomechanics. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) insufficiency on patellofemoral (PF) kinematics in dogs during walking. Ten client-owned dogs (20-40 kg) with natural unilateral complete CrCL rupture were included. Dogs underwent computed tomographic scans to create digital bone-models of the patella and femur. Lateral projection fluoroscopy of the stifles was performed during treadmill walking. Sagittal plane PF kinematics were calculated throughout the gait cycle by overlaying digital bone models on fluoroscopic images using a previously described 2D-3D registration technique. For acquisition of kinematics in the contralateral (control) stifle, fluoroscopy was repeated 6-months after stabilizing surgery of the affected side. Results were compared between the pre-operative CrCL-deficient and 6-month post-operative control stifles.ResultsCraniocaudal PF translation was similar between CrCL-deficient and control stifles throughout the gait cycle. The patella was more distal and positioned in greater flexion throughout the gait cycle in CrCL-deficient stifles when compared to the control stifle at equivalent time points. There was no significant difference in PF poses between CrCL-deficient and control stifles at equivalent femorotibial flexion angles; however, common femorotibial flexion angles were only found over a small range during the swing phase of gait.ConclusionsCrCL insufficiency altered PF kinematics during walking, where the changes were predominately attributable to the femorotibial joint being held in more flexion. Abnormal PF kinematics may play a role in the development of osteoarthritis that is commonly observed in the PF joint CrCL-deficient stifles.

Three-dimensional kinematics of canine hind limbs: in vivo, biplanar, high-frequency fluoroscopic analysis of four breeds during walking and trotting

“…To our knowledge, however, the present study is the first high-precision 3D in vivo investigation into the kinematics of the entire canine pelvic limb during a walk and a trot. It uses biplanar, high-frequency fluoroscopy in combination with a high-frequency 3D optoelectric system (Vicon) and a newly developed marker setup, and also utilizes “Scientific Rotoscoping” 34 (the “3D-2D registration process” described, for example, by 11 , 25 ). The present study shows that only this very time-consuming method permits a convincing analysis of 3D kinematics in dogs without implanted bone markers.…”

“…The single plane fluoroscopic analysis described in 11 was carried out at 60 Hz on 6 Labrador Retrievers, that described in 25 at 30 Hz on 5 mixed breed and 5 different purebred dogs.…”

“…Studies on quadrupedal locomotion of mammals using biplanar fluoroscopy are sparse e.g. 10 – 25 . Headrick’s study was marker-based at 60 Hz and involved only four cameras, while Kim et al .…”

Tibial plateau morphology in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency

“…Age, sex, breed, and weight were obtained from medical records. The dogs of this study were part of a larger clinical investigation on CCL insufficiency . The study was approved by the University of Florida's institutional animal care and use committee, and dog owners signed informed consent at the time of enrollment.…”

Temporo‐spatial and kinetic gait parameters in English setter dogs

“…Lanovaz, Schamhardt, Willemen, & Colborne, 1998;Gündemir, Erdikmen, Ateşpare, & Avanus, 2019). In particular, stance and swing phases can be used for each leg to interpret lameness (Kim et al, 2017).…”