Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2019; 32(S 03): A1-A12
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692242
Podium Abstracts
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Gait and Electromyographic Alterations due to Early Onset of Injury and Eventual Rupture of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament in Dogs: A Pilot Study

C. Adrian
1   Director, Rehabilitation Services, VCA Animal Hospitals, Loveland, Colorado, United States
,
K. Haussler
2   Clinical Sciences, Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
,
C.E. Kawcak
2   Clinical Sciences, Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
,
R.F. Reiser
3   Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
,
C. Riegger-Krugh
4   Program in Physical Therapy, Walsh University, Canton, Ohio, United States,
,
R.H. Palmer
5   Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
,
C.W. McIlwraith
2   Clinical Sciences, Equine Orthopedic Research Center, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
,
R. Taylor
6   Retired, Denver, Colorado, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 May 2019 (online)

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    Introduction: New perspectives on the etiopathogenesis of stifle disease include recognizing the role of dynamic stabilizing components, such as the muscular system, as possible contributors to CCL disease. Muscle activity, or motor control, is integral in the control of movement; however, failure occurring in one or more muscles associated with maintaining stability and normal stifle kinematics, is a speculative contributing factor to CCL disease. The objective of this study was to identify relevant electromyography (EMG), kinematic and kinetic changes resulting from monopolar radiofrequency energy (MRFE)-induced cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury, and eventual rupture in dogs.

    Materials and Methods: Five female dogs were used to assess surface EMG, joint kinematics and kinetics at a trot in the pelvic limbs at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after unilateral MRFE-induced CCL injury, and 4, 8, and 16 weeks following CCL rupture (CCLR).

    Results: Average hip joint range of motion during stance decreased within the untreated pelvic limb post MRFE-induced injury. Post CCLR, kinematics in the stifle and tarsus were altered bilaterally. Qualitative alterations of many EMG parameters were noted following MRFE-induced injury and CCLR, though no statistical significance difference was found.

    Discussion/Conclusion: MRFE-induced injury produced altered contralateral hip kinematics, suggesting early compensatory gait alterations. Additional compensatory gait patterns occurred in both pelvic limbs post CCLR. Qualitative analysis of trial averaged EMG data support a relationship between neuromuscular function and CCL injury and subsequent rupture.

    Acknowledgment: The authors would like to acknowledge a foundation grant from Mrs. Jaynn Emory.


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    No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).