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Equine veterinary journal2013; 46(3); 364-369; doi: 10.1111/evj.12127

Three dimensional, radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) of equine stifle kinematics and articular surface contact: a cadaveric study.

Abstract: Studies examining the effect of stifle joint angle on tibial rotation, adduction-abduction angle and articular contact area are lacking. Objective: To test the hypothesis that tibial rotation, adduction-abduction angle and articular contact area change with stifle joint angle. Methods: Descriptive study of normal kinematics and articular contact patterns of the equine stifle through the functional range of motion using 3 dimensional (3D) radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) and equine cadaver stifles. Methods: Multiple, radiopaque markers were embedded in the distal femur and proximal tibia and sequential, biplanar x-rays captured as the stifle was passively extended from 110° to full extension. Computer-programmed RSA was used to determine changes in abduction-adduction and internal-external rotation angles of the tibia during stifle extension as well as articular contact patterns (total area and areas of high contact) through the range of motion. Results: The tibia rotated externally (P < 0.001) as the stifle was extended. Tibial abduction occurred from 110-135° of extension (P < 0.001) and tibial adduction occurred from 135° through full extension (P = 0.009). The centre of joint contact moved cranially on both tibial condyles during extension with the lateral moving a greater distance than the medial (P = 0.003). Articular contact area decreased (P = 0.001) in the medial compartment but not in the lateral compartment (P = 0.285) as the stifle was extended. The area of highest joint contact increased on the lateral tibial condyle (P < 0.001) with extension but decreased (P = 0.001) on the medial tibial condyle. Conclusions: Significant changes occur in tibial rotation, adduction-abduction angle and articular contact area of the equine stifle through the functional range of motion. Understanding the normal kinematics of the equine stifle and the relationship between joint positions and articular contact areas may provide important insight into the aetiology and location of common stifle joint pathologies (articular cartilage and meniscal lesions).
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Publication Date: 2013-09-11 PubMed ID: 23802689PubMed Central: PMC3864602DOI: 10.1111/evj.12127Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article studies the effects of stifle joint angle on tibial rotation, adduction-abduction angle and articular contact area using equine cadaver stifles. It uses 3-dimensional radiosteriometric analysis to observe these changes and reveals the variations along the functional range of motion, providing insight into possible joint pathologies.

Research Methodology:

  • The researchers performed a descriptive study on normal kinematics and articular contact patterns of the equine stifle through a functional range of motion. This was achieved using 3-dimensional radiosteriometric analysis (RSA), which was applied to equine cadaver stifles.
  • Radiopaque markers were embedded in the distal femur and proximal tibia of the specimens. Sequential biplanar X-rays were captured as the stifle was passively extended from 110° to full extension.
  • The team used computer-programmed RSA to determine changes in the abduction-adduction and internal-external rotation angles of the tibia during stifle extension. The technique was also used to study articular contact patterns in terms of total area and regions of high contact throughout the range of motion.

Research Findings:

  • The analysis showed that the tibia rotated externally when the stifle was extended. Tibial abduction occurred from 110-135° of extension, and tibial adduction took place from 135° through full extension.
  • The joint contact centre relocated cranially on both tibial condyles during extension, with the lateral moving a greater distance than the medial. The articular contact area decreased in the medial compartment, but not in the lateral compartment as the stifle was extended.
  • The area of the highest joint contact increased on the lateral tibial condyle with extension but decreased on the medial tibial condyle.

Conclusions:

  • The study concluded that significant changes occur in tibial rotation, adduction-abduction angle and articular contact area of the equine stifle through the functional range of motion.
  • Understanding the normal kinematics of the equine stifle and the relationship between joint positions and articular contact areas may provide important insight into potential causes and locations of many stifle joint pathologies, such as articular cartilage and meniscal lesions.

Cite This Article

APA
Halley SE, Bey MJ, Haladik JA, Lavagnino M, Arnoczky SP. (2013). Three dimensional, radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) of equine stifle kinematics and articular surface contact: a cadaveric study. Equine Vet J, 46(3), 364-369. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12127

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 3
Pages: 364-369

Researcher Affiliations

Halley, S E
  • Laboratory for Comparative Orthopaedic Research, Michigan State University, USA.
Bey, M J
    Haladik, J A
      Lavagnino, M
        Arnoczky, S P

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Biomechanical Phenomena
          • Cadaver
          • Horses / anatomy & histology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Radiostereometric Analysis / veterinary
          • Stifle / physiology

          Grant Funding

          • T35 RR017491 / NCRR NIH HHS
          • T35RR01749 / NCRR NIH HHS

          Conflict of Interest Statement

          . No competing interests have been declared.

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