Bester, Elizabeth G.Zeiler, Gareth EdwardStoltz, George G.Oberholster, Abraham Johannes (Abrie)Kitshoff, Adriaan Mynhardt2025-04-162025-04-162025-02Bester, E.G., Zeiler, G.E., Stoltz, G.G. et al. 2025, 'Influence of tibial plateau angle in cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle on patellar ligament strain : an ex vivo study', American Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 86, no. 2, art. 245, pp. 1-10, doi : 10.2460/ajvr.24.08.0245.0002-9645 (print)1943-5681 (online)10.2460/ajvr.24.08.0245http://hdl.handle.net/2263/102141OBJECTIVE : The 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. METHODS : 12 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). RESULTS : 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. CONCLUSIONS : Significant increases in patellar ligament strain (CrCL-deficient stifle) during the stance phase were observed at TPAs of 0° and 5°. CLINICAL RELEVANCE : 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.en© 2025 The Authors. Published by the American Veterinary Medical Association as an Open Access article under Creative Commons CCBY-NC license.Tibial plateau angles (TPAs)Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO)Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)Patellar ligament desmitisCranial cruciate ligament rupturePatellar ligament strainDigital image correlationSDG-03: Good health and well-beingSDG-03: Good health and well-beingSDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureArticle