Editorial Type:
Musculoskeletal System

Determination of mechanical properties of canine carpal ligaments

Snehal S. Shetye Orthopedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.

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 MS
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Ketan Malhotra Orthopedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523; and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur 721302, India.

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Stewart D. Ryan Animal Cancer Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.

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Christian M. Puttlitz Orthopedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.70.8.1026
Volume/Issue:
Volume 70: Issue 8
Online Publication Date:
01 Aug 2009
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Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the mechanical properties of canine carpal ligaments for use in a finite element model of the canine antebrachium.

Sample Population—26 forelimbs obtained from cadavers of 13 dogs euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study.

Procedures—6 ligaments (medial collateral, lateral collateral, palmar ulnocarpal, palmar radiocarpal, accessorometacarpal-V, and accessorometacarpal-IV) were evaluated. Quasistatic tensile tests were performed on all specimens (n = 8 specimens/ligament) by use of a servohydraulic materials testing system in conjunction with a 6-df load cell. Each specimen was preconditioned for 10 cycles by applying 2% strain by use of a Haversine waveform. Tension was subsequently applied to each specimen at a strain rate of 0.5%/s until ligament failure.

Results—Significant differences in modulus of elasticity were detected among the ligaments. Elastic modulus did not differ significantly between the 2 accessorometacapal ligaments, between the 2 collateral ligaments, or between the 2 palmar carpal ligaments. Ligaments were classified into 3 groups (accessorometacarpal ligaments, intra-articular ligaments, and palmar carpal ligaments), and significant differences were detected among the 3 ligament groups. The accessorometacarpal ligaments had a relatively high elastic modulus, compared with results for the other ligaments. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments had the lowest elastic modulus of any of the ligaments tested.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These results indicated a strong function-elastic modulus relationship for the 6 ligaments tested. The mechanical properties described here will be of use in creating a finite element model of the canine antebrachium.

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the mechanical properties of canine carpal ligaments for use in a finite element model of the canine antebrachium.

Sample Population—26 forelimbs obtained from cadavers of 13 dogs euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study.

Procedures—6 ligaments (medial collateral, lateral collateral, palmar ulnocarpal, palmar radiocarpal, accessorometacarpal-V, and accessorometacarpal-IV) were evaluated. Quasistatic tensile tests were performed on all specimens (n = 8 specimens/ligament) by use of a servohydraulic materials testing system in conjunction with a 6-df load cell. Each specimen was preconditioned for 10 cycles by applying 2% strain by use of a Haversine waveform. Tension was subsequently applied to each specimen at a strain rate of 0.5%/s until ligament failure.

Results—Significant differences in modulus of elasticity were detected among the ligaments. Elastic modulus did not differ significantly between the 2 accessorometacapal ligaments, between the 2 collateral ligaments, or between the 2 palmar carpal ligaments. Ligaments were classified into 3 groups (accessorometacarpal ligaments, intra-articular ligaments, and palmar carpal ligaments), and significant differences were detected among the 3 ligament groups. The accessorometacarpal ligaments had a relatively high elastic modulus, compared with results for the other ligaments. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments had the lowest elastic modulus of any of the ligaments tested.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These results indicated a strong function-elastic modulus relationship for the 6 ligaments tested. The mechanical properties described here will be of use in creating a finite element model of the canine antebrachium.

Contributor Notes

Support for Mr. Malhotra was provided by a summer intern fellowship from the Colorado State University Graduate School.

The authors thank Dr. Robert E. Lee and Dennis Madden for assistance with obtaining specimens and Joanne Tuohy for technical assistance with dissections.

Address correspondence to Dr. Puttlitz.
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Aug 2009
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