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Biomechanical evaluation of carpal joint ligaments in the cat: An experimental and radiographic cadaveric study
Mario Candela Andrade1, Phillip Meinck2, Pavel Slunsky3
1Department of Medicine, Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany.
Objective:
To define the stabilizing role of feline carpal ligaments through selective transection and radiographic assessment of joint angulation under standardized loading.
Study Design:
Experimental ex vivo cadaveric study.
Sample Population:
Sixty carpal joints from 30 adult cats without orthopedic disease.
Methods:
Carpi were mounted in a custom radiolucent clamping device and subjected to standardized 20 N varus, valgus, and extension loads. Measurement tolerances were 3.5° for varus, 6.4° for valgus, and 6° for extension. Individual ligaments or ligament complexes were sequentially transected, and stability changes were quantified radiographically using dorsopalmar and mediolateral projections.
Results:
Transection of the medial collateral ligament produced only minor valgus increase below tolerance thresholds. Palmar radiocarpal ligament desmotomy caused valgus and hyperextension instability with consistent radiocarpal subluxation. Additional flexor retinaculum transection increased extension by up to 27.9° and resulted in antebrachiocarpal luxation. Lateral collateral ligament transection produced marked varus instability (+16.8°) with ulnocarpal subluxation, and the ulnopalmar and accessory ulnar ligaments acted as secondary stabilizers. Distal palmar carpometacarpal ligament transection caused hyperextension (+12.3°) with mediocarpal and carpometacarpal subluxation. Isolated flexor myotomy or tenotomy did not produce measurable instability unless fascial structures were disrupted.
Conclusion:
Feline carpal stability depends on coordinated ligamentous and fascial interactions rather than a single dominant stabilizer. This reproducible multiplanar testing model provides a biomechanical basis to improve diagnosis and treatment of feline carpal injuries, which are often extrapolated from canine data.
Clinical Relevance:
These data highlight that isolated ligament repair may not adequately restore carpal stability in cats. Clinicians should consider the integrated role of ligamentous and fascial structures when diagnosing and managing carpal injuries.
