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Virginia Tech

The Effect of Stifle Angle on Stifle Kinematics following TPLO: An in vitro Experimental Analysis

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Objective: To determine the ability of the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) to restore normal joint kinematics in a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle through a loaded range of motion. Methods: Paired pelvic limbs from 12 dogs were compared in an in vitro biomechanical study. Each limb was placed in a custom designed jig at 120° of stifle extension under an axial load of 20% body weight. Electromagnetic motion tracking sensors were placed on the distal femur and proximal tibia. A force was applied at approximately 10 N/sec to mimic the action of the quadriceps muscle. Force application allowed the limb to move from 120° to maximal extension. Positional data was acquired at 60 points/second. Each limb was tested under normal, CrCL-deficient, and TPLO-treated conditions. Results: The TPLO failed to normalize CTT within the CrCL-deficient stifle; however, values trended towards intact values throughout the range of motion. No significant differences were noted in internal rotation in any of the three conditions from 120° – 137°. Hyperextension values did not differ significantly between conditions. Conclusion: Data from this biomechanical model suggests that the TPLO fails to neutralize CTT throughout a loaded range of motion. Internal rotation and hyperextension values were not found to differ significantly between intact, CrCL-deficient and TPLO repaired stifles. The effectiveness of the TPLO in restoring normal biomechanics is more significant at greater angles of flexion.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Veterinary Medical Sciences
Department dc:contributor.department
Veterinary Medical Sciences
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
2010

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Johnson, Kelly Ann
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Lanz, Otto I.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Harper, Tisha A.
  • McLaughlin, Ronald

Subjects

dc:subject × 5

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-04302010-144750
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/32061

Chain of custody

source
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Virginia Tech
Base URL
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Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
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citation

Johnson, Kelly Ann. The Effect of Stifle Angle on Stifle Kinematics following TPLO: An in vitro Experimental Analysis. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/32061