Advantages of the extra-articular condylar-tibial fixation technique for stifle stabilization after cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs

Abstract

ABSTRACT. da Silva R.S., França T.N., Costa S.Z.R., Atallah F.A., Miranda I.C., Mascarenhas M.B., Peixoto T.C. & Peixoto P.V. [Advantages of the extra-articular condylar-tibial fixation technique for stifle stabilization after cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs.] Vantagens da técnica de fixação côndilo-tibial extra-articular na estabilização da articulação femorotibiopatelar pós-ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial em cães. Revista Brasileira de Medicina veterinária 38(Supl.1):39-46, 2016. Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR 465 Km 7, Seropédica, RJ 23890-001, Brasil. E-mail: ricardinho.vet@hotmail.com A new variant of the extra-articular technique for stifle stabilization, by condylar-tibial fixation (transcondylar perforation), is described. This technique, developed at the Surgery Department of the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital at Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, was performed in 36 dogs of both sexes, weighing from 16.5 to 93 kg, which had had spontaneous rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. Results were considered to be very good; in addition to immediate stabilization of the joint, no difficulties were encountered during surgery. The advantages of this variant of technique are complete stabilization of the joint without the need of supplementary techniques, ease of execution, and absence of trans or postoperative complications, as well as being adequate for larger and heavier dogs. Although it is very likely that this technique can be effective for smaller dogs, its use in small breed dogs should only be considered after an experimental study including these animals has been performed.