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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

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← Articles

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

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Schmutterer 2024 et al., on stifle flexion angle effects, how did the center of force shift during increased stifle flexion?

A. Shifted cranially
B. Shifted medially
C. Shifted caudally
D. No directional shift
E. Shifted proximally

Answer: Shifted caudally

Explanation: Center of force moved significantly more caudal with increased flexion, especially at the medial meniscus (p = 0.003)
In Schmutterer 2024 et al., what was the observed peak pressure in the lateral meniscus at 125° flexion?

A. 0.9 MPa
B. 1.0 MPa
C. 1.2 MPa
D. 1.5 MPa
E. 1.3 MPa

Answer: 1.2 MPa

Explanation: Lateral meniscus peak pressure was 1.2 MPa at 125°, higher than at 145° (1.0 MPa), p = 0.049
In Schmutterer 2024 et al., what was the trend in mean pressure on the medial meniscus across all angles tested?

A. Increased with extension
B. Decreased with extension
C. Remained constant
D. Varied unpredictably
E. Decreased then increased

Answer: Remained constant

Explanation: Mean pressure on the medial meniscus remained relatively constant across 125° to 145° flexion
In Schmutterer 2024 et al., on stifle flexion angle effects, at which angle was the contact force ratio (CFR) significantly lowest?

A. 125°
B. 135°
C. 145°
D. All angles had equal CFR
E. 135° and 145°

Answer: 145°

Explanation: CFR was significantly lower at 145° compared to both 125° and 135° flexion angles (p < 0.001)
In Schmutterer 2024 et al., what was concluded regarding femorotibial kinematics when changing flexion angles?

A. Significant change with flexion
B. Significant increase in femoral rollback
C. No significant kinematic change
D. Increased femoral torsion during load
E. Increased internal rotation only

Answer: No significant kinematic change

Explanation: Flexion angle altered load metrics but not femorotibial kinematics in this setup

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