![]() ![]() In cross section, the menisci are wedge-shaped, and the peripheral circumference is thick and white while the axial margins are thin and almost translucent. The menisci have several important functions, including energy absorption and stress transfer across the femorotibial joint, joint stabilization, prevention of synovial membrane impingement between the femur and tibia, and joint proprioception.5 The menisci stabilize the joint by functionally deepening the articular surface of the tibial plateau-much like a chock behind a tire. The medial and lateral menisci are semilunar fibrocartilage structures positioned between the articular surfaces of the femoral and tibial condyles ( Figure 2). Conversely, during stifle extension, the lateral collateral ligament draws taut and causes external rotation of the tibial plateau with respect to the femur in what is called the screw-home mechanism.4 The lateral collateral ligament is taut in extension, but its laxity during flexion permits a physiologic internal rotation of the stifle joint. The lateral collateral ligament originates on the lateral femoral epicondyle and passes distally before inserting primarily on the fibular head. Portions of the medial collateral ligament remain taut throughout a full range of extension and flexion. The medial collateral ligament passes distally from the medial femoral epicondyle, sharing a firm attachment to the abaxial margin of the medial meniscus, to insert along a rectangular footprint on the medial aspect of the tibia. The orientation of the cranial cruciate ligament prevents cranial tibial translation through a full range of motion, excessive internal rotation during flexion, and stifle hyperextension.įigure 1 The ligaments and menisci of the canine stifle joint. The cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments spiral around one another as they course distally. The caudal cruciate ligament arises from the lateral surface of the medial femoral condyle and passes caudodistally to insert on the lateral aspect of the popliteal notch of the tibia ( Figure 1). The cranial cruciate ligament originates from the caudomedial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and courses in a craniomedial direction to insert on the cranial intercondyloid area of the tibia immediately caudal to the intermeniscal ligament ( Figure 1).2 The cranial cruciate ligament is functionally composed of a craniomedial band and a caudolateral band.3 While the craniomedial band remains taut throughout a full range of extension and flexion, the caudolateral band becomes lax during flexion. This article describes characteristics of normal and pathologic cranial cruciate ligaments and details clinical techniques to help you diagnose cranial cruciate ligament pathology earlier.įour ligaments passively stabilize the canine stifle joint: the cranial cruciate, caudal cruciate, medial collateral, and lateral collateral ligaments. Cranial cruciate ligament pathology is a leading cause of lameness in dogs.1 Recent advances in diagnostic visualization and surgical treatments have stimulated an increased emphasis on early clinical recognition of cranial cruciate ligament pathology.
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