Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New implant surgery improves knee stability in dogs with torn
By Barkowski, Veronica J & Embleton, Neil A·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2016·Helivet Mobile Surgical Services, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Surgical Technique and Initial Clinical Experience with a Novel Extracapsular Articulating Implant for Treatment of the Canine Cruciate Ligament Deficient Stifle Joint.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 60 dogs with knee problems due to a torn cruciate ligament (CrCL) underwent surgery using a new type of implant designed to stabilize the joint. After the procedure, most dogs were able to bear weight within 24 hours, and many showed significant improvements in their ability to move without pain over the following months. While some dogs experienced minor complications, the overall results were positive, with improved joint stability and movement. This new implant appears to be an effective option for treating dogs with CrCL injuries.
People also search for: dog knee surgery recovery · torn cruciate ligament treatment for dogs · dog limping after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique, clinical efficacy, and complications using the Simitri Stable in Stride(®) extracapsular articulating implant (EAI) to treat naturally occurring stifle instability due to cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) insufficiency. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs with CrCL-deficient stifles (n=60 dogs; 66 stifles). METHODS: An EAI was applied to the medial aspect of the distal femur and proximal tibia after stifle exploration and treatment of joint pathology. Outcome measures included lameness score, time to weight bearing, and bilateral assessment of stifle stability, stifle range of motion (ROM), and thigh circumference (TC). Outcome measures were determined preoperatively and at intervals from 4.5 to 16.0 months (median 8.9 months) postoperatively. Data were excluded from bilaterally affected dogs <6 months after CrCL surgery on the contralateral limb, and from dogs with contralateral limb lameness. RESULTS: Within 24 hours of EAI surgery, dogs were weight bearing on 64 of 66 limbs at the walk. Incidence of major complications requiring surgical revision was 15.3% and minor complications was 10.2%. Postoperatively, there were significant improvements in lameness scores and ROM in 34 EAI-treated limbs meeting inclusion criteria, and the mean ROM returned to within normal limits. TC did not change in the operated limb, but decreased significantly in the control limb. CONCLUSION: The EAI effectively stabilized the CrCL-deficient stifle, and significantly improved lameness scores and stifle ROM. Decreased TC in control limbs may have been due to early return to mobility and weight bearing on the EAI-treated limb.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27398949/