Biomechanical evaluation of nuchal ligament resistance in dogs

• Grant number: 20/10899-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2020
• End date: October 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Bruno Watanabe Minto
• Grantee: Isabella Junqueira Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The nuchal ligament is an anatomical structure physiologically and biomechanically important for the neck, as it limits cervical flexion and helps its stabilization. In dogs it is composed by the funicular and lamellar portion, which is quite reduced and fragile. The resection of this ligament in horses and even dogs is possible and with minimal consequences, despite its biomechanical function. This being true, it could consist of an important donor site for ligament grafts; however, there are no studies approaching biomechanical aspects of the nuchal ligament in dogs. Thus, this research aims to assess the resistance of the nuchal ligament using samples collected from 30 cadavers. Quantitative measurements will be performed on the ligaments, in addition to biomechanical resistance tests in 3 groups: intact ligaments, ligaments interlaced between their funicular bands, and only one funicular band. The comparison between the 3 groups will be performed by ANOVA and Tukey test, whereas the quantitative variables will be correlated using Pearson's coefficient.