In vivo three-dimensional isometry analysis of suture attachment sites for extracapsular suture stabilization of the canine stifle

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to perform isometry analysis of a selection of suture attachment points for extracapsular stabilization with three-dimensional (3D) measurements and normal gait kinematics of the stifle joint.

METHODS

Thirteen client-owned dogs were recruited. Fluoroscopic images of the stifle during treadmill walking and computed tomography of the same joint were acquired. Stifle kinematics were reconstructed using 3D model-based fluoroscopic analysis. Variability of the distance between the femoral and tibial attachment sites across gait cycles was evaluated. The maximum length variation (MLV) and maximum length percent variation (MLPV) were quantified and used to determine the level of isometry of the attachment site combinations.

RESULTS

A selection of combinations with lower mean MLV (<2.5 mm) or MLPV (<8%) was identified from 315 combinations, and all the combinations involved femoral attachment sites near the distal pole of the lateral fabella. The combinations also involving tibial attachment sites near the proximal tibial crest showed improved isometry, with an MLPV < 6%.

CONCLUSION

Combinations using attachment sites around the distal pole of the lateral fabella and proximal tibial crest or caudal to the long digit extensor groove appeared to have improved isometry.

[A new approach to treatment selection in dogs with cruciate ligament rupture: patient-specific treatment recommendations]

INTRODUCTION

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most important diseases in canine orthopedics. Despite the frequent occurrence of the disease and the extensive literature available, there is still controversy about the best treatment method. The aim of this review article is to present a new, more specific approach to treatment selection in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Patients are divided into different groups and particular treatment methods are then recommended according to group membership. In order to develop the treatment recommendations, the patient groups were initially defined based on criteria that are important for treatment selection, such as type of cranial cruciate ligament rupture, chronicity, degree of instability, size and weight of the patient, stage of osteoarthritis, the presence of bone deformities, concurrent medial patellar luxation or rotational instability. A detailed literature search was conducted through MEDLINE/PUBMED; CAB Abstracts, Google -Scholar and in conference proceedings abstracts from 1990-2019. Based on the available literature, treatment recommendations were developed for each patient group. These patient group-specific recommendations based on best available evidence are intended to simplify the decision-making process for treatment selection in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease.