Bester, EGZeiler, GEStoltz, George GOberholster, AJKitshoff, AM2025-01-302025-01-302024-120002-9645DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.24.08.0245http://hdl.handle.net/10204/13975The aim was to investigate the patellar ligament strain with varying degrees of tibial plateau angles (TPAs) after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle during the stance phase. Twelve pelvic cadaver limbs were secured to a custom-built jig to mimic a loadbearing stance after which an axial load of 120 N was applied. Patellar ligament strain, change in strain, and percent change in strain were calculated on pre-TPLO (intact and transected CrCL) and post-TPLO tibial TPAs of -5°, 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°. Strain was measured using a 3-D digital image correlation to calculate Green-Lagrange strain (E33). Data were compared using a linear mixed model and applying the Dunnett method of multiple comparisons (control was pre-TPLO intact CrCL). The post-TPLO TPAs of 0° and 5° increased in patellar strain compared to pre-TPLO intact CrCL constructs, whereas no significant changes were seen at a TPA of -5°, 10°, and 15°. Significant changes in patellar ligament strain were noted at a TPA of 0° and 5°. The percent change in strain differed at -5°, 0°, and 5° TPAs. The median magnitude of percent change in strain was 35.1%, 37.0%, 79.0%, -7.1%, and -21.1% for -5°, 0°, 5°, 10°, and 15°, respectively. Significant increases in patellar ligament strain (CrCL-deficient stifle) during the stance phase were observed at TPAs of 0° and 5°. A TPA post-TPLO > 5° and < 15° is less likely to cause an increase in patellar ligament strain; however, further research is needed to investigate the clinical relevance of these findings.FulltextenCranial cruciate ligament ruptureDigital image correlationPatellar ligament desmitisPatellar ligament strainCranial cruciate ligament rupture Digital image correlation Patellar ligament desmitis Patellar ligament strain Tibial plateau leveling osteotomyArticlen/a