Correlation Between the Width of the Patella and Tibial Tuberosity in Dogs. Preliminary Results

Introduction: Patellar luxation is one of the most frequent conditions affecting the stifle and causing pelvic limb lameness in dogs. This study aims to measure the width of the patella and tibial tuberosity (TT) in the frontal plane in canine cadavers of different sizes and evaluate whether there is a correlation between these structures.

Materials and Methods: To evaluate TT width, radiographs of both tibias were performed using cranio-caudal images. To delineate the TT, a bone fragment reduction clamp was temporarily applied to the most proximal part of the tibial tuberosity at the patellar ligament insertion. TT width was measured as the distance between the clamp tips. Patella width was assessed using a cranio-caudal radiograph of the extended stifle. The examined area was dissected to obtain precise structural measurements. Using a precision calliper, measurements were taken for patella width, height, and thickness, as well as for trochlear groove width and TT width at the patellar ligament insertion.

Results: Twenty-one cadaveric domestic dogs were used. The mean width of the patella by radiograph was 9.54 mm, and the tibial tuberosity width was 5.92 mm. According to Pearson’s test, a direct and linear relationship exists between TT and patella width, with correlations generally above 0.7 or 0.8.

Discussion/Conclusion: No studies in the literature have yet correlated patella width with tibial tuberosity in a way that would allow surgical planning for stifle surgeries. The results indicate a strong correlation between the two evaluated structures, which could assist in surgical planning.

Acknowledgment

This study was financed, in part, by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), Brazil. Process Number #2024/06885–9.

Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025