Patellar dimensions related to canine body mass for use in the manufacture of prosthesis: cadaver study

The aim of this study was to measure the canine cadaver patellar dimensions and evaluate its relationship with body mass. 70 cadavers of adult dogs were used, with a body mass between 1 and 50kg, without clinical evidence of affection in the stifle joint. The external and internal lengths, external width in the middle third, width and thickness of the proximal, middle and distal thirds were measured using a pachymeter. The width was also measured in the proximal third, middle third and distal third, depth in the proximal third, middle third and distal third of the trochlear groove; these measurements were exclusively internal. A strong correlation was observed between the patellar dimension and body mass of canine cadavers. Under this study conditions, it is possible to conclude that the patellar size varies according to the canine body mass and these measures should be considered when planning a prosthetic replacement.