Biomechanical evaluation of carpal joint ligaments in the cat: An experimental and radiographic cadaveric study.

Feline carpal stability requires coordinated ligament-fascia interactions; isolated ligament repair may prove inadequate.

This biomechanical cadaveric study evaluated the stabilizing roles of feline carpal ligaments using 60 joints from 30 adult cats. Joints were mounted in a custom device and subjected to standardized loading (20 N) in varus, valgus, and extension directions. Sequential ligament transections were performed with radiographic assessment of joint angulation changes. Key findings revealed that the palmar radiocarpal ligament is critical for preventing valgus instability and hyperextension, with additional flexor retinaculum involvement in extension stability. The lateral collateral ligament prevents varus instability, with secondary support from ulnar ligaments. Distal palmar carpometacarpal ligaments prevent hyperextension. Notably, isolated flexor myotomy or tenotomy did not produce measurable instability unless fascial structures were disrupted. The study demonstrates that feline carpal stability depends on coordinated ligamentous and fascial interactions rather than single dominant stabilizers. These findings provide a biomechanical foundation for understanding feline carpal injuries, which have been inadequately extrapolated from canine models.

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