Mechanical properties of canine patella-ligament-tibia segment

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic biomechanics
• Veterinary surgical research
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• The canine patella-ligament-tibia (PLT) segment is a potential source for allografts in orthopedic surgery.
• Understanding the mechanical properties of PLT grafts is crucial for their successful clinical application.
• Donor size and graft dimensions influence the biomechanical performance of orthopedic grafts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ex vivo mechanical properties of canine PLT segments.
• To determine the relationship between donor size (dog weight) and PLT dimensions with mechanical properties.
• To assess the suitability of PLT grafts for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Ex vivo mechanical testing of 42 canine PLT segments from 21 dogs.
• Morphometric measurements using computed tomography (CT) and calipers.
• Testing to failure at a standardized rate (100% length/s) to record mechanical properties and failure modes.

Main Results:

• Calibrated measurements of PLT width and thickness were significantly lower than CT-derived values (P < .001).
• The majority of specimens (83%) failed via avulsion fracture from the patella.
• Dog weight and PLT length showed the strongest correlation with load at failure (r = 0.73 and 0.81, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Dog weight and PLT length are the most significant predictors of PLT graft load-bearing capacity.
• PLT grafts from dogs exceeding 25 kg exhibit mechanical properties comparable to the native cranial cruciate ligament (CCL).
• The canine PLT segment shows promise as a viable allograft for CCL replacement.