Summary
This study evaluated the anatomy and biomechanics of the ovine stifle, with a view
to its use as a model of the human knee joint.
Stifles were dissected to define the internal anatomy, concentrating on the cruciate
ligaments. The cranial cruciate ligament (CraCL) was assessed biomechanically at 30°
and 90° flexion, intact, with the craniomedial bundle (CraMB) divided, and after complete
transection. Craniocaudal (C-C) and internal-external rotatory stability were assessed.
The tensile strength of the CraCL was determined.
The morphology of the ovine stifle was similar to the human knee. Sequential sectioning
of the bundles of the CraCL caused increasing cranial laxity of the joint. Rotational
laxity also increased as the CraCL was divided, as well as with progressive joint
flexion. It was concluded that the ovine stifle is a valid animal model for the human
knee for work on the cruciate ligaments.
The anatomy and biomechanics of the ovine stifle were studied, with a view to assessing
the suitability of the joint as a surgical model for the cruciate ligaments of the
human knee. The ligaments, joint stability and cranial cruciate ligament strength
were measured. It was concluded that the ovine stifle is a valid model of the human
knee for this purpose.
Keywords
Cruciate ligament - ovine - stifle joint - anatomy - biomechanics