Compensatory Changes in Ground Reaction Forces in Small and Large Breed Dogs with Unilateral Hindlimb Lameness in Comparison to Healthy Dogs

Author(s):  
Patrick Wagmeister ◽  
Stephanie Steigmeier-Raith ◽  
Sven Reese ◽  
Andrea Meyer-Lindenberg

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether small- to medium-sized dogs with a naturally occurring unilateral hindlimb lameness show the same compensatory changes in ground reaction forces as large-breed dogs and how the changes are displayed compared with healthy small- to medium-sized dogs. Study Design Small- to medium-sized dogs (n = 15) and large-breed dogs (n = 16) with unilateral rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament were examined. The kinetic parameters peak vertical force and vertical impulse of the two groups were compared with each other and compared with healthy Beagles (n = 15) and with healthy Labrador Retrievers (n = 17), respectively. Results The healthy Beagle group showed a significantly higher weight loading on the forelimbs compared with the healthy Labrador group. The affected groups in comparison with the corresponding healthy groups showed a higher load on the non-affected body half and a significant lower weight bearing on the affected limb. Comparing the two affected groups, no significant difference could be found. Conclusion Despite a substantially different initial situation regarding weight distribution of the examined small- to medium-sized dogs and large dogs, a unilateral hindlimb lameness leads to the same compensatory changes (cranial and lateral shift of the body mass centre).

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (01) ◽  
pp. 11-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Böddeker ◽  
S. Drüen ◽  
A. Meyer-Lindenberg ◽  
M. Fehr ◽  
I. Nolte ◽  
...  

SummaryObjectives: To compare the improvement in degree of lameness following surgical repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs using computer-assisted gait analysis.Methods: Two groups of 14 dogs were used. One group was treated by a capsular-fascial imbrication method, and the other group by tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO). All dogs underwent gait analysis prior to surgery, as well as at four days, four weeks, and four months after surgery. Symmetry indices of vertical ground reaction forces as well as vertical ground reaction forces in % body weight, joint angles and certain gait cycle parameters were evaluated.Results: Four months after surgery, the degree of lameness expressed as symmetry index for peak vertical force for the TPLO group (5.83%) was not significantly different to the capsular-fascial imbrication group (19.05%). Within the TPLO group, there was a significantly increased ability to extend the stifle joint four months after surgery. The stifle motion pattern of the capsular-fascial imbrication group as well as the range-of-motion in both groups showed very little change at the time of the last gait analysis. The complication rate was greater in the TPLO group than in the capsular-fascial group.Clinical significance: In conclusion the results suggest that the TPLO method leads to a faster recovery and improved limb function in comparison to the capsular-fascial imbrication method four months after surgery. Further analyses are needed to determine if the TPLO method is superior concerning long-term joint stability.Online supplementary material: A video of the three-dimensional kinematic model is available online at: http://www.vcot-online.com


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (03) ◽  
pp. 189-197
Author(s):  
Julia Knebel ◽  
Daniela Eberle ◽  
Stephanie Steigmeier-Raith ◽  
Sven Reese ◽  
Andrea Meyer-Lindenberg

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) and modified Maquet procedure (MMP) for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in dogs using clinical and radiographic evaluation and treadmill-based force plate gait analysis. Study Design This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Materials and Methods Sixty-one dogs (76 joints) with CCLR were treated with TPLO (n = 30 dogs, 41 joints) or MMP (n = 31 dogs, 35 joints) and compared with a control group of 16 healthy Labrador Retrievers. Outcomes after surgery were compared by clinical orthopaedic assessment, radiographic evaluation and force plate gait analysis performed preoperatively, and then at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. For objective comparison of ground reaction forces, the data were compared with the control group. Major complications were reported. Results A significant improvement in ground reaction forces was reached in all surgically treated dogs. No significant difference was found between the surgical methods at any postoperative re-examination. With regard to peak vertical force (PVF), there were significantly more patients with TPLO within the reference range of healthy dogs at the 3 months re-examination than dogs with MMP. There was no significant difference in mean value comparisons between TPLO and control groups 6 months postoperatively. Compared with the control group, mean values of 93.9% (PVF) and 85.9% (vertical impulse [VI]) were reached by the TPLO group and 89.4% (PVF) and 79.9% (VI) by the MMP group, 6 months postoperatively.No significant differences were found regarding major complications or progression of osteoarthritis. Conclusions Although no significant differences were found between the surgical methods, TPLO patients showed superiority with regard to clinical outcome.


2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 243-249 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Damur ◽  
T. Guerrero ◽  
M. Haessig ◽  
P. Montavon ◽  
K. Voss

Summary Objective: To assess functional outcome in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) using force plate gait analysis, and to evaluate parameters potentially influencing outcome. Study design: Prospective clinical study. Animals: Consecutive clinical patients (n=37) with CrCL-deficient stifles (n=40). Methods: The stifle joints were examined arthroscopically prior to TTA. Meniscal release was not performed if the medial meniscus was intact. Open medial arthrotomy and partial meniscectomy were performed in the presence of meniscal tears. Vertical ground reaction forces were measured preoperatively and at follow-up examinations four to 16 months postoperatively (mean: 5.9 months). The ground reaction forces of a group of 65 healthy dogs were used for the comparison. The potential effects of clinical parameters on functional outcome were evaluated statistically. Results: Complete CrCL rupture was identified in 28 joints, and partial CrCL rupture in 12 joints. The medial meniscus was damaged in 21 stifles. Vertical ground reaction forces were significantly higher at follow-up (P<0.01), but remained significantly lower than those of control dogs (P<0.01). Complications were identified in 25% of joints, and the dogs with complications had significantly lower peak vertical forces at follow-up than the dogs without complications (P=0.04). Other clinical parameters did not influence outcome. Conclusions: Tibial tuberosity advancement significantly improved limb function in dogs with CrCL disease, but did not result in complete return to function. Complications adversely affected functional outcome. Clinical significance: A return to a function of approximately 90% of normal can be expected in dogs with CrCL disease undergoing TTA.


2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 1254-1262 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. D. P. Arruda ◽  
L. A. L. Muzzi ◽  
R. A. L. Muzzi ◽  
A. C. C. Lacreta Júnior ◽  
G. Oberlender ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe 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.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256011
Author(s):  
Giovanni Della Valle ◽  
Chiara Caterino ◽  
Federica Aragosa ◽  
Fabiana Micieli ◽  
Dario Costanza ◽  
...  

Introduction Cranial cruciate ligament failure is one of the principal causes of canine lameness. Several surgical procedures were proposed to achieve joint stabilisation; among these, the Modified Maquet Procedure involves using a titanium foam wedge to achieve and maintain the tibial tuberosity advancement. The force-plate analysis provides to objectively assess normal and abnormal gait and the outcome of different surgical techniques. The study evaluates the outcome of limbs that underwent Modified Maquet Procedure using land-force plate analysis comparing the operated limb with its healthy contralateral one as a control. Materials and methods Thirty-five dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture were evaluated. Outcome after surgery was assessed by orthopaedic and radiographic evaluations and force plate gait analysis performed before surgery, at 15, 30 and 90 days after surgery. For objective comparison of ground reaction forces, data of operated limb were compared to contralateral limb on each time control and Symmetry Index at 90 days was determined. Healing radiographic signs, minor and major complication were reported. Results A significant improvement in ground reaction forces was reached in all the treated limbs between set time intervals. The median percentage increase in ground reaction forces was constant from 15 to 90 days, with a Symmetry Index >9 in 54.2% of patients suggesting a normal gait symmetry. A complete bone healing was noticed at 90 days follow-up radiographic assessment. We experienced three major (8.5%) and one minor (2.8%) complications. Conclusions To the Authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in the veterinary literature that assessed outcomes of dogs undergoing Modified Maquet Procedure for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture using force plate gait analysis and healthy contralateral limb as a control group. Our results confirm that Modified Maquet Procedure is an effective method to stabilise the stifle joint.


2001 ◽  
Vol 14 (01) ◽  
pp. 19-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. Schneider ◽  
S. C. Budsberg

SummaryThe objective of this study was to measure the synovial and plasma concentration of carprofen in normal and osteoarthritic stifle joints throughout a 12-hour period. Eight healthy male mixed breed hound dogs with chronic right stifle osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to right cruciate ligament transection, were used. Each dog was treated with carprofen (2mg/kg every 12 hours) for 14 days at four different time periods. Prior to treatment, each dog had baseline data collected that included two force plate evaluations (seven days apart), synovial fluid, and plasma collections. Plasma samples were collected at three hours post drug administration on days two, four, six, eight, 10, and 12. On days #7 and 14 plasma, serum, bilateral stifle synovial fluid and ground reaction forces (GRFs) were collected at three, six, nine, or 12 hours post-medication, depending upon the test protocol. Vertical and cranio-caudal ground reaction forces were recorded at each time period. Plasma concentrations measured at three hours remained constant over each testing protocol. There were not any differences between the plasma carprofen concentrations at three, nine, or 12 hours between days #7 or 14. A significant difference was not found in the carprofen synovial concentrations between left and right stifles at any time. Significant increases in vertical impulse data were found at six hours post-treatment, for all of the collection periods on days three, seven and 14. During the study, there was not any indication that carprofen had a ‘preference’ for the OA stifle as opposed to the normal stifle. Carprofen administration increased the total force transmitted through the abnormal limb.Carprofen concentrations in the plasma and synovial fluid and ground reaction forces were measured in dogs with single stifle osteoarthritis at three, six, nine and 12 hours following dosing at 2 mg/kg every 12 hours. Carprofen did not have a ‘preference’ for the OA stifle as opposed to the normal stifle. Carprofen administration increased the total force transmitted through the abnormal limb.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (06) ◽  
pp. 387-390
Author(s):  
Cássio Ricardo Auada Ferrigno ◽  
Alexandre Navarro Alves de Souza ◽  
Márcio Poletto Ferreira ◽  
Valentine Verpaalen ◽  
Julia Maria Matera

Abstract Objective Our objective was to compare the peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) between dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease and a tibial plateau angle (TPA) greater or less than 25 degrees. Methods A retrospective study was performed in 18 dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease in which kinetic gait data were obtained with a pressure walkway system. Dogs were distributed in two groups: dogs with a TPA ≤ 25 degrees (n = 8) and dogs with a TPA > 25 degrees (n = 10). Mean PVF and VI in per cent of body weight (%BW) were compared between groups with an unpaired t-test (p < 0.05). Results Mean PVF and VI for the cranial cruciate ligament disease limb were 14.39%BW and 3.57%BWs for dogs with a TPA >25 degrees and 14.44%BW and 3.47%BWs for dogs with a TPA ≤ 25 degrees. There was no significant difference in mean PVF and VI between the groups. Conclusion The results suggest that there is no difference in kinetic data between dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease and a TPA greater or less than 25 degrees. Other factors such as body weight, time of injury or meniscal lesion could be more related to the magnitude of cranial cruciate ligament disease lameness.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Guenego L

This study investigated proximodistal and craniocaudal patellar positions and assessed these positions with the tibial anatomical-mechanical axis angle (AMA-angle), tibial plateau angle (TPA), relative tibial tuberosity width (rTTW), and Z-angle in Labrador Retrievers (LR) and Golden Retrievers (GR) with and without cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR). Mediolateral radiographs were obtained from 2 groups. The affected group had a normal contralateral stifle measured at the time of unilateral surgically confirmed CCLR, which developed a subsequent contralateral CCLR (SC-CCLR; 40 dogs), and the control group (60 dogs aged >11 years) had normal stifles. In the SC-CCLR group, 95% of the tibial anatomical axes (AAs) were cranial (CR) to the patella, with a median (range) AMA-angle of 2.92° (1.65°-4.92°), while in the control group, 93% of the stifles had AAs caudal (CA) to or in the middle (M) of the patella, with a median (range) AMA-angle of 1.03° (0°-3.52°). The craniocaudal position of the patella was correlated statistically with the AMA-angles (median (range), 0.86° (0-1.61°), 1.87° (1.22-2.7°), and 2.97° (1.72-4.92°) in the CA, M, and CR positions, respectively, but not with other tibial measurements (p<0.0001). The patellar height did not differ between the groups (p<0.0001). The highly significant difference found in the AMA-angle and the craniocaudal patellar position between LR and GR with or without CCL injury suggest that craniocaudal angulation of the proximal tibia could influence the development of canine CCLR.


1991 ◽  
Vol 158 (1) ◽  
pp. 369-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Full ◽  
R. Blickhan ◽  
L. H. Ting

Many-legged animals, such as crabs and cockroaches, utilize whole-body mechanics similar to that observed for running bipeds and trotting quadrupedal mammals. Despite the diversity in morphology, two legs in a quadrupedal mammal, three legs in an insect and four legs in a crab can function in the same way as one leg of a biped during ground contact. To explain how diverse leg designs can result in common whole-body dynamics, we used a miniature force platform to measure the ground reaction forces produced by individual legs of the cockroach Blaberus discoidalis. Hexapedal runners were not like quadrupeds with an additional set of legs. In trotting quadrupedal mammals each leg develops a similar ground reaction force pattern that sums to produce the whole-body pattern. At a constant average velocity, each leg pair of the cockroach was characterized by a unique ground reaction force pattern. The first leg decelerated the center of mass in the horizontal direction, whereas the third leg was used to accelerate the body. The second leg did both, much like legs in bipedal runners and quadrupedal trotters. Vertical force peaks for each leg were equal in magnitude. In general, peak ground reaction force vectors minimized joint moments and muscle forces by being oriented towards the coxal joints, which articulate with the body. Locomotion with a sprawled posture does not necessarily result in large moments around joints. Calculations on B. discoidalis showed that deviations from the minimum moments may be explained by considering the minimization of the summed muscle forces in more than one leg. Production of horizontal forces that account for most of the mechanical energy generated during locomotion can actually reduce total muscle force by directing the ground reaction forces through the leg joints. Whole-body dynamics common to two-, four-, six- and eight-legged runners is produced in six-legged runners by three pairs of legs that differ in orientation with respect to the body, generate unique ground reaction force patterns, but combine to function in the same way as one leg of a biped.


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