The Science Behind
The stifle joint anatomy and the biomechanics of the joint as they exist in the present day are the result of evolution over a very long and extended period of time. Evolution relies on the process of natural selection. The existing canine stifle joint anatomy and biomechanics have evolved as the result of the driving forces behind natural selection and have withstood the test of time, changing and surviving through trial and error over millions of years. For this very reason, NAHAH’s MFLS surgical services use the cranial cruciate ligament itself as the most ideal model for providing both stability and ideal movement (manner of function) for the stifle joint.
As with all mammals, as part of their bilateral symmetry body plan, both hind limbs have naturally evolved to function or work in the same way. This is because symmetrical and balanced limb function is a consequence of evolution as well. Surgical procedures that create new and different ways for the surgically repaired stifle joint to function and do not restore the original and natural, evolved stifle joint function leave the patient with a surgically repaired limb that works in an entirely new and different way and an opposite limb that is unchanged and still functioning the way it has functioned since birth, moving with authentically evolved stifle biomechanics.
This dichotomy in stifle joint function results in asymmetrical and unharmonious hind limb function, which imparts or creates significant frictional forces on all the moving parts of both hind limbs. A simple example of this phenomenon in everyday life would be driving a car with tires that are not balanced. As the vehicle is driven at higher speeds the imbalance causes significant shaking of the vehicle, resulting directly from the lack of balance and lack of symmetrical function. Ultimately, this imbalance and asymmetrical limb function may have unintended consequences from the failure to restore the patient’s bilateral symmetry. NAHAH’s MFLS surgical services strive to avoid asymmetrical hind limb function and to restore balanced, symmetrical, and harmonious limb function, thereby minimizing frictional forces affecting both hind limbs.