Summary
Fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP) is the most common cause of forelimb lameness
in juvenile medium and large breed dogs; however methods of assessing the disruption
to their gait remain subjective. The purpose of this study was to objectively quantify
the mechanical disruptions to gait in dogs with arthroscopically confirmed unilateral
FMCP. Seven dogs underwent full inverse dynamic analysis at the time of diagnosis.
Kinematic and force data were collected from both forelimbs at trot. Stance phase
joint angles, net joint moments and net joint powers were calculated using custom
software. There were gross differences in kinetic and kinematic patterns between FMCP
affected and compensating forelimbs. Stance time was 0.24 sec on the lame side and
0.26 sec on the compensating side. The shoulder and the elbow were more flexed at
ground contact, and elbow, carpal and MCP joints had smaller ranges of motion on the
lame side. Net joint moments were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the elbow, carpal
and MCP joints of the FMCP affected limb. Net joint powers were likewise significantly
smaller (P<0.05). However, the overall moment and power patterns persisted. Total
limb support moment was significantly smaller on the affected side (P<0.05). Total
limb power was significantly reduced on the affected side (P<0.05) being most affected
in its propulsive phase in the second half of stance. Inverse dynamic analysis of
this clinical condition is an objective means by which to assess the mechanical disruption
to gait.
Keywords
Canine elbow dysplasia - gait analysis - biomechanics