Determination of Pelvic Limb Alignment in the Large-Breed Dog: A Cadaveric Radiographic Study in the Frontal Plane

• Published in: Veterinary surgery 2008-10, Vol.37 (7), p.674-682
• Main Authors: DISMUKES, DAVID I, FOX, DEREK B, TOMLINSON, JAMES L, COOK, JAMES L, ESSMAN, STEPHANIE C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomy & physiology; Animals; body weight; Bone Malalignment - diagnosis; Bone Malalignment - diagnostic imaging; Bone Malalignment - veterinary; Cadaver; cranial cruciate ligament disease; dog breeds; Dogs; Dogs - anatomy & histology; Dogs - physiology; femur; Hindlimb - anatomy & histology; Hindlimb - diagnostic imaging; joint diseases; joints (animal); Legs; ligaments; Lower Extremity - diagnostic imaging; metatarsus; pelvis; Radiography; Radiography - methods; Radiography - veterinary; reference standards; Reference Values; stifle; Supine Position; tibia; Veterinary services; Weight-Bearing - physiology
• ISSN: 0161-3499; 1532-950X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00434.x

To report a method for radiographic determination of the mechanical axis of the canine pelvic limb and its relationship to the joints and bone axes. To report reference ranges for the relationships between the axes of the pelvic limb and for joint position relative to the pelvic limb axis. Cadaveric radiographic anatomic study. Pelvic limbs (n=101) from normal midsized to large breed dogs; tibiae (n=105) from dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (previous study). Extended full-limb radiography was performed and images analyzed to determine: mechanical joint reference angles (femur, tibia), pelvic limb axis, tibiofemoral and metatarsotibial angle, mechanical axis--femur/metatarsus angle, and mechanical axis deviation (MAD) of the stifle/tarsus. Mean mechanical angles were: lateral proximal femoral (103.7°±5.4°), lateral distal femoral (98.6°±2.5°), medial proximal tibial (92.2°±1.8°), medial distal tibial (95.9°±2.2°), tibiofemoral (9.1° varus ±2.8°), metatarsotibial (0.6° valgus ±2.1°). Mean mechanical axis--femur and--metatarsus angles were 5.6° (±1.7°) and 2.9° (±1.5°), respectively. Mean MAD of the stifle and tarsus were 3.6% (±1.1%) and 1.2% (±0.6%), respectively. Tibial angles were not different between dogs with and without cranial cruciate ligament disease. Mechanical axes of the canine pelvic limb and their relationship to the joints can be determined by full-limb radiography. Techniques and reference ranges may be useful for diagnosis, surgical planning, and postoperative assessment of pelvic limb deformities.