Schmutterer et al: Evaluation of Meniscal Load and Load Distribution in the Sound Canine Stifle at Different Angles of Flexion
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 3, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

• Biomechanical study on 14 hindlimbs from Retrievers (cadaveric)
• Three stifle flexion angles tested: 125°, 135°, and 145°
• Contact Force Ratio (CFR) was significantly higher at 125° and 135° than at 145° (p < 0.001)
• Center of force shifted caudally with increasing flexion — especially in medial meniscus
• Lateral meniscus peak pressure was significantly higher at 125° than 145° (p = 0.049)
• Mean pressures on lateral meniscus decreased with extension, while medial meniscus pressure remained constant
• Relevance: Helps interpret meniscal load in early cruciate disease and in surgical modeling