Where is the cruciate ligament located in dogs? - briefly
The cruciate ligament in dogs is located within the stifle joint, which is equivalent to the human knee. It connects the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone), providing stability to the joint during movement.
Where is the cruciate ligament located in dogs? - in detail
The cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in dogs, analogous to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans, is a crucial component of the stifle joint, which is the equivalent of the human knee. This ligament is located within the joint capsule and connects the distal end of the femur to the proximal tibia. Specifically, it originates from the caudolateral aspect of the lateral condyle of the femur and inserts on the craniomedial aspect of the tibia, just below the intercondylar eminence. The CrCL plays a pivotal role in maintaining joint stability and preventing excessive internal rotation and cranial displacement of the tibia relative to the femur during movement. Injuries to this ligament are common in dogs, particularly in larger breeds, and can lead to significant lameness and osteoarthritis if not properly managed.