Med. Weter. 73 (9), 532-537, 2017
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| Adam Przeworski, Joanna Głodek, Zbigniew Adamiak |
| Tibial plateau angle: methods of measurement, value, applicability |
| The tibial plateau angle measurement and its applicability have been reviewed based on the literature. The measurement was made on radiographs of the stifle joint with superimposition of the femoral condyles (with maximum tolerance of 2.0-4.0mm). Due to great variation among dog populations (size, breed), mean tibial plateau angles were found to be between 16.9° and 34°, but an excessive angle was described as >35°. An appropriate measurement of the tibial plateau angle can be made at about 108 days of age. The influence on the magnitude of the measured tibial plateau angle were the limb position during radiographic examination, the measurement technique (with modifications) and the experience level of the observer. Differences in magnitudes of the tibial plateau angles in dogs with and without cranial cruciate ligament rupture were not observed. The tibial plateau angle is commonly used in osteotomy of the tibia and its magnitude in order to select the proper surgical technique. The significance of the tibial plateau angle on the aetiopathogenesis of cranial cruciate ligament disease is questionable. Other measurements of the proximal tibia were attained to determine the risk factor of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency. Knowledge of the tibial plateau angle and factors influencing measurement errors have great clinical importance. |
| Key words: stifle joint, imaging, cranial cruciate ligament, dog |