Mazdarani et al: Proximal femoral fixation method and axial load affect simulated muscle forces in an ex vivo feline limb press
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Simulated quadriceps and gastrocnemius forces increased proportionally with axial load in all three femoral fixation models.
  • Model 2 (rigid fixation) resulted in subphysiologic quadriceps forces and abnormally high gastrocnemius forces, reducing model fidelity.
  • Models 1 and 3 (with hip mobility) produced more physiologic quadriceps and force ratios, especially under 30–40% bodyweight loads.
  • Force ratios were significantly lower in rigid fixation (Model 2) compared to hip-mobile models (p = .007), suggesting model design affects simulated muscle coordination.
  • Joint angles (stifle and hock) remained within acceptable limits, though slight flexion occurred with increasing load.
  • Relative foot position differed by ~3.9 mm between models 2 and 3, with model 2 showing a more caudal position.
  • Model 3 preserved benefits of hip mobility while allowing radiographic documentation, making it a preferred setup for future studies.
  • The study suggests that models used in feline stifle stabilization research may underestimate physiologic forces, especially with rigid fixation designs.

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Mazdarani et al: Proximal femoral fixation method and axial load affect simulated muscle forces in an ex vivo feline limb press
Veterinary Surgery 5, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Simulated quadriceps and gastrocnemius forces increased proportionally with axial load in all three femoral fixation models.
  • Model 2 (rigid fixation) resulted in subphysiologic quadriceps forces and abnormally high gastrocnemius forces, reducing model fidelity.
  • Models 1 and 3 (with hip mobility) produced more physiologic quadriceps and force ratios, especially under 30–40% bodyweight loads.
  • Force ratios were significantly lower in rigid fixation (Model 2) compared to hip-mobile models (p = .007), suggesting model design affects simulated muscle coordination.
  • Joint angles (stifle and hock) remained within acceptable limits, though slight flexion occurred with increasing load.
  • Relative foot position differed by ~3.9 mm between models 2 and 3, with model 2 showing a more caudal position.
  • Model 3 preserved benefits of hip mobility while allowing radiographic documentation, making it a preferred setup for future studies.
  • The study suggests that models used in feline stifle stabilization research may underestimate physiologic forces, especially with rigid fixation designs.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Mazdarani 2025 et al., on simulated muscle loading, which fixation model produced the most physiologic quadriceps forces?

A. Model 1 (complete hip mobility)
B. Model 2 (rigid femoral fixation)
C. Model 3 (flexion-extension hip mobility)
D. All models performed equally
E. No model produced physiologic forces

Answer: Model 3 (flexion-extension hip mobility)

Explanation: Model 3 preserved near-physiologic quadriceps loads with improved reproducibility over Model 1.
In Mazdarani 2025 et al., on simulated muscle loading, what was the clinical significance of using hip mobility in limb press models?

A. It increased tibial plateau angles
B. It reduced stifle flexion
C. It allowed force ratios closer to in vivo values
D. It simplified loading procedures
E. It increased axial load variability

Answer: It allowed force ratios closer to in vivo values

Explanation: Hip mobility improved the physiologic realism of simulated quadriceps forces.
In Mazdarani 2025 et al., on simulated muscle loading, which model showed the lowest muscle force ratios (quadriceps:gastrocnemius)?

A. Model 1 (complete hip mobility)
B. Model 2 (rigid femoral fixation)
C. Model 3 (flexion-extension hip mobility)
D. All were similar
E. Model 1 and Model 3 equally

Answer: Model 2 (rigid femoral fixation)

Explanation: Model 2 consistently showed lower ratios compared to others (p = .007).
In Mazdarani 2025 et al., on simulated muscle loading, what design feature made Model 3 more favorable for research use over Model 1?

A. Less instrumentation required
B. Higher gastrocnemius forces
C. Better radiographic reproducibility
D. Better fixation strength
E. No difference noted

Answer: Better radiographic reproducibility

Explanation: Model 3 limited hip motion to flexion-extension, improving documentation.
In Mazdarani 2025 et al., on simulated muscle loading, how did increased axial load affect simulated muscle forces?

A. Increased both quadriceps and gastrocnemius forces
B. Increased only quadriceps force
C. Decreased both forces
D. Had no significant effect
E. Increased only gastrocnemius force

Answer: Increased both quadriceps and gastrocnemius forces

Explanation: Muscle force rose with increasing axial load in all models.

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