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Published on: August 14, 2018
Fracture Risk Evaluation of Trochlear Groove Depth in Toy and Small-Breed Dogs Under Gait-Based Loading: A Finite
Minuk Jeong1, Heung-Myoung Woo1, Kihoon Kim1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon-si 24341, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Excessive trochlear groove deepening in dogs increases fracture risk. Maintaining a depth-to-thickness ratio between 0.75 and 1.0 optimizes patellar tracking and mechanical safety.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Canine Anatomy
Background:
- The trochlear groove depth-to-patellar thickness (D/T) ratio is a critical parameter in canine stifle joint biomechanics.
- Understanding the relationship between D/T ratio and femoral fracture risk is essential for small-breed dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of varying D/T ratios on femoral fracture risk in toy and small-breed dogs.
- To determine optimal D/T ratios for balancing patellar tracking and stifle joint stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized finite element analysis (FEA) on CT data of a toy poodle.
- Simulated D/T ratios from 0.5 to 2.0 under various physiological loading conditions (standing, trotting, jumping).
- Performed complementary mechanical testing on canine cadaveric femurs with surgically modified D/T ratios.
Main Results:
- Increased D/T ratios significantly elevated von Mises stress and compressive strain.
- Safety factors dropped below 1.0 during simulated jumping at D/T ratios of 1.0 and above.
- Fatigue life decreased sharply beyond a D/T ratio of 1.25, indicating increased susceptibility to cyclic loading failure.
Conclusions:
- Excessive trochlear deepening compromises femoral integrity and elevates fracture risk, especially under dynamic loading.
- A D/T ratio between 0.75 and 1.0 appears to offer an optimal balance for patellar tracking and mechanical safety in toy and small-breed dogs.
- These findings have implications for surgical planning and understanding stifle joint pathologies in canines.
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