Pre- and postoperative force plate analysis of dogs with experimentally transected cranial cruciate ligaments treated using tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.
OBJECTIVE
Quantitative and objective assessment of hindlimb kinetics after cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) transection and subsequent stifle stabilization using the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in normal dogs.


METHODS
In vivo experimental biomechanical evaluation.


METHODS
Six healthy adult foxhounds.


METHODS
Dogs were screened by orthopedic and radiographic examination before study entry. Force plate analysis of gait was measured before extirpation of the right CrCL and TPLO and again at 8 and 18 weeks after surgery.


RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in peak vertical forces (PVFs) and vertical impulse (VI) of the treated hindlimb at 8 weeks when compared with preoperative and 18-week measurements. When compared with preoperative values, there was no significant difference in 18 week PVF and VI in dogs that had TPLO.


CONCLUSIONS
TPLO can restore kinetic measures of limb function at 18-weeks after surgery when compared with preoperative values after experimental transection of the CrCL in dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
TPLO induces lameness that returns to near normal at 18 weeks. The severity and duration of lameness was similar to that reported for other experimental models of stifle instability repaired by different techniques.
Ballagas
Antonio J
AJ
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849, USAballaaj@auburn.edu
Montgomery
Ronald D
RD
Henderson
Ralph A
RA
Gillette
Robert
R
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000662:veterinary; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care