Cranial / Tibial Translation and Tibial Thrust
The movement of a bone parallel to an axis or plane. Tibial cranial translation is horizontal movement of the tibia relative to the femur.
- When the cruciate ligament is ruptured, the slope of the tibial plateau, along with the forces exerted by the calf and quadriceps muscles cause the femur bone to slide down the top of the tibia bone called the tibial plateau. This in essence causes the tibial plateau to thrust forward with each weight-bearing stride and is called cranial tibial thrust.
- This thrusting results in excessive wear of the cartilage of the joint. In addition, as the tibia thrusts forward it stretches the tissues which surround the joint, which causes pain.
- Excessive cranial tibial thrust also can tear of one of the cartilage pads in the knee called the medial meniscus. This usually results in a meniscal bucket handle tear or crush injury
Shear forces
Patellar tendon
Tibial Tuberosity
Tibial Plateau Angle (TPA)
Extracapsular stabilization
This method of surgery involves placement of sutures outside the joint or redirection of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Often secured from bone anchors placed in the distal femur as a point of origin. Mono-filament nylon sutures are most commonly used as they can resist the most force (strongest type of suture for this procedure).
Bilateral
Having or relating to two sides; affecting both sides. In orthopedics, this generally means the pet is having a procedure done on both rear limbs.
Bucket Handle Tear
The entire inner rim of the medial meniscus can be torn in what is called a bucket handle tear. These tears usually occur in an area of good blood supply in the meniscus. When treated early (within 3 weeks) these can generally be repaired.
Varus - Valgus
Synovitis
Periarticular Osteophyte
Osteophytes, commonly referred to as bone spurs or parrot beak, are bony projections that form along joint margins. Side effect of DJD and mechanical instability.
Fibrosis
The thickening and scarring of connective tissue, usually as a result of injury.