Distal femoral joint orientation line - Dog - axes and angles - Thigh bone [Femur] - vet-Anatomy
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Distal femoral joint orientation line

Distal femoral joint orientation line

  • Acronym: DFJOL

Definition

Stephan Mahler

The distal femoral joint orientation line is a landmark used to assess angular deformities of the femur and provide guidance for corrections. In particular, it is used to assess the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle.

In the frontal plane

The distal femoral joint orientation line is determined from a ventrodorsal radiograph of the hips. The dog is positioned in dorsal recumbency, pelvic limbs extended caudally, femurs parallel to each other. Positioning is considered satisfactory if :

Peterson et al (2020) defined the distal femoral joint orientation line by first identifying the Blumensaat's line (the radiopaque line corresponding to the roof of the intercondylar fossa. The distal femoral joint orientation line is the best-fit straight line that can be drawn over the Blumensaat's line.

In the sagittal plane

The distal femoral joint orientation line is determined from a medio-lateral radiograph of the entire femur. Positioning is considered satisfactory if the medial condyle and lateral condyle are superimposed.

A first line is drawn between the lesser trochanter and the proximal part of the trochlear groove. The distal femoral joint orientation line is the line perpendicular to this first line. This line is somtimes named the distal femoral reference line.

References

  • Fox J, Tomlinson JL. Principles of Angular Limb Deformity Correction. In: Tobias KM, Johnston SA, editors. Veterinary Surgery Small Animal. St Louis (MI): Elsevier Saunders; 2012. p.657-668.

  • Peterson JL, Torres BT, Hutcheson KD, Fox DB. Radiographic determination of normal canine femoral alignment in the sagittal plane: A cadaveric pilot study. Vet Surg. 2020 Aug;49(6):1230-1238. doi: 10.1111/vsu.13465. Epub 2020 Jun 2.Yasukawa S, Edamura K, Tanegashima K, Seki M, Teshima K, Asano K, Nakayama T, Hayashi K. Evaluation of bone deformities of the femur, tibia, and patella in Toy Poodles with medial patellar luxation using computed tomography. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2016;29(1):29-38. doi: 10.3415/VCOT-15-05-0089. Epub 2015 Dec 7.

  • Phetkaew T, Kalpravidh M, Penchome R, Wangdee C. A Comparison of Angular Values of the Pelvic Limb with Normal and Medial Patellar Luxation Stifles in Chihuahua Dogs Using Radiography and Computed Tomography. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2018 Feb;31(2):114-123. doi: 10.3415/VCOT-17-05-0067. Epub 2018 Mar 13. Erratum in: Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2018 Feb;31(2):a1.

  • Yasukawa S, Edamura K, Tanegashima K, Seki M, Teshima K, Asano K, Nakayama T, Hayashi K. Evaluation of bone deformities of the femur, tibia, and patella in Toy Poodles with medial patellar luxation using computed tomography. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2016;29(1):29-38. doi: 10.3415/VCOT-15-05-0089. Epub 2015 Dec 7.

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