Kinetic measurements for lameness

The goal of kinetics in lame dogs

The goal of kinetics in orthopaedic, neurological examinations in lame dogs is, on the one hand, to measure the severity of the changes, but on the other hand, and much more importantly, to measure the changes that arise after orthopaedic manual therapy! In turn, this makes it possible to plan further therapy, whether conservative or surgical!

Video limping „Conti“

The patient above shows a very striking movement pattern. Both front limbs are very wide, show a varus position (O-leg) and an alternating lameness in the front right and left limbs. This becomes most obvious after the patient gets up. During the examination a high pain sensitivity in both elbow joints became apparent. Furthermore, the patient showed a strong restriction in extension and flexion, i.e. pronation and supination became clear! The X-rays reveal strong osteoarthritis and osseous changes on the inside of the elbow. This is typical for an X-ray image showing ED (elbow dysplasia), where the FPC (free processus coronoideus) is chipped off. The present case indicates performing surgical and conservative therapy. Surgical because, in a first step, the osseous splintering (FPC) must be removed. Conservative because the arthritic changes cause osteoarthritis. To prevent this, platelet therapy (self-blood therapy) is performed subsequently. The thrombocytes/platelets stop the inflammatory process in the joint, thus allowing the osteoarthritis to heal. Prior to performing the platelet therapy, the dog was treated with ORMT (orthopaedic manual therapy).

Please note the following:

The red dots are the values before the treatment

The yellow dots are the values after the treatment

Interpretation of values:

1. The unequal load distribution on both shoulders was immediately adjusted to a ratio of 30%: 30%, which also offset the hind leg, resulting in a 20%: 20% ratio without manual treatment of the hind leg. This unequal load distribution in the hind limbs resulted from the offset of the front limbs. The walk length did not change, there was no need for change, it was in the normal range from the start. On the other hand, the step length has been reduced to a normal length, which was desired. The unequal force in the right and left shoulder limb was immediately compensated for.
2. The orthopaedic manual intervention immediately lead to a gait pattern adapted to the pathological process, derived objectively (through the measurement parameters) as well as subjectively from the movement pattern.
3. On the basis of these facts it is to be expected that the following surgical and conservative measures will be favourable and that the dog will be able to move normally and above all painlessly.