Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Patellar ligament repair with polyethylene implant helps 9 dogs
By Castelli, Axelle et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2026·Veterinary Hospital Saint-Martin, France·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Patellar ligament repair with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene implant results in successful outcome in 9 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Nine dogs with a torn patellar ligament (the ligament that helps stabilize the knee) were treated with a special implant made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. These dogs were experiencing lameness, which was confirmed through X-rays. After surgery, most of the dogs returned to their normal activities within 2 to 6 months, and seven of them fully recovered without any major complications. The treatment showed promising results, allowing for effective repair and a low risk of issues afterward.
People also search for: dog knee surgery recovery · torn ligament treatment in dogs · dog lameness after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of patellar ligament (PL) reconstruction with an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) implant secured with an interference screw in dogs. ANIMALS: Medical records from 7 referral centers were reviewed for dogs treated for PL rupture between 2021 and 2025. Cases treated exclusively with UHMWPE implants with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Dogs presented with lameness and examination findings consistent with PL rupture, confirmed by radiography in all cases. The data collected included diagnostic test findings, surgical technique, complications, follow-up, and outcomes. Canine Brief Pain Inventory scores were obtained at the final follow-up. Radiographic measurements were used to assess the patellar ligament length-to-patellar length ratio in operated and contralateral limbs over time. RESULTS: 10 stifles from 9 dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 18 months (range, 1.5 to 3.8 years). No major complications were recorded. The patellar ligament length-to-patellar length ratio decreased after surgery. Return to activity was reported between 2 and 6 months postoperatively. Full function was recovered in 7 dogs; 2 dogs showed mild lameness beyond mid term. Canine Brief Pain Inventory scores in 8 dogs had a median of 4/100 (range, 0 to 26). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The UHMWPE implant provided effective repair without major complications in all 10 cases and resulted in acceptable to full functional outcomes in 9 dogs. The observed outcomes suggested that this technique could minimize the need for postoperative immobilization and may be associated with a low complication rate.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41259877/