Comparative anatomy and biomechanical properties of atlantoaxial ligaments in equine, bovine, and canine cadaveric specimens.

The research study involves a comparison of the anatomy and biomechanical properties of atlantoaxial ligaments in canine, equine, and bovine cadaver specimens to understand their role in stabilizing the atlantoaxial joint. Mathematical and physical testing confirmed that there were significant size and stability differences among the species.

Methods

The scientists explored the ligaments in three cadaveric specimens each from equine, bovine, and canine sources. They experimented with a specially made shear-testing device controlled by a uniaxial servo-hydraulic testing machine, which they used to measure the ligaments’ responses to sagittal shear loading.

To simulate different forces, they performed the test three times at a constant quasi-static velocity of 0.2 mm/s but with varying limiting forces – 50 N for canines and 250 N for bovines and equines. The researchers measured the load and linear displacement with a displacement sensor and load cell in the testing system. They performed the tests on both intact and transected atlantoaxial ligaments.

Results

Upon evaluating collected data, it was found that the range of motion distinctly increased after the transection of the ligaments, but only in the canine specimens. Notably, the bovine atlantoaxial joint was biomechanically more stable than the equivalent in equines.

Conclusions

The researchers concluded that the atlantoaxial ligaments of canines, equids, and bovines show species-specific anatomical and biomechanical differences. However, they also highlighted that further research is necessary to understand the impact of these distinctions on the development of atlantoaxial subluxations and subsequent treatment methods.