Biomechanical Analysis of Forces Acting About the Canine Hip

Abstract

SUMMARY The forces acting about the canine hip were calculated from measurements obtained from a radiograph of the pelvis and femur. It was found that during a 3-legged stance, the single weight-bearing hip was subjected to a force approximately 1.5 times body weight. Increasing the femoral neck angle and/or abducting the hip resulted in an increase in hip and abductor muscle forces, whereas decreasing the femoral neck angle and/or adducting the hip decreased these forces. Subluxation of the femoral head also increased both the abductor muscle force and hip force.