Treatment of the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in the dog with an intraarticular (''over-the-top'') and an extraarticular (lateral imbrication of fascia lata) technique

The present study compares the results of an intraarticular (>>over-the-top<<) and an extraarticular (fascia lata imbrication) surgical method to treat the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs. in a period of 18 months, 132 stifle joints of 125 dogs with a partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament were examined according to a systematic protocol at the Clinic for Small Animals of the Hannover School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany. Surgery was performed with either one or the other of the two surgical techniques. In all cases a >>cleaning up<< was carried out. If the medial meniscus was damaged, it was resected and the lesion was investigated. The imbrication technique of the lateral aspect of the fascia lata was easier and faster to perform. Using the >>over-the-top<< method, there were difficulties to guide the fascial strip through the intercondylar notch. After six months 88 patients were re-examined clinically and radiologically according to the same protocol as mentioned above. In the present study it was demonstrated that patients treated with the extraarticular method showed a higher rate (76.5%) of normal limb function after six months and walked earlier without lameness compared with dogs operated with the >>over-the-top<< technique (41.5%). The same results were valid for patients of giant breeds. Patients operated with the imbrication technique showed more arthrosis of the patellar tip. After six months stability, evaluated with the cranial drawer test and the tibia compression test was satisfying with both techniques.