• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.141-144
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• 2014

Two dogs (Case 1 weighing 27 kg, Case 2 weighing 42 kg) were referred with hindlimb lameness. On physical examination, there was moderate pain on stifle joint testing and mild cranial translation on cranial drawer testing in Case 1. This translation was obvious when the patient was under general anesthesia. Case 2 showed discomfort during hyperextension of the stifle joint, but no significant cranial translation under general anesthesia. Joint effusion was detected on radiography in both cases. Based on physiologic and radiographic examinations, cranial cruciate deficiency was suspected, so exploratory arthroscopy was performed. Arthroscopy revealed partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) in both cases. Case 1 showed unstable partial CrCL rupture, while Case 2 had stable CrCL rupture. Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) was carried out as planned. Seroma occurred one week postoperatively in Case 2, and was removed surgically. The patients returned to satisfactory weight-bearing ambulation 5 months after initial surgery. Based on the results of these cases, TTA appears to be a useful procedure in the treatment of CrCL partial rupture.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.455-459
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• 2012

Nine dogs presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Konkuk University and Woosung Animal Hospital with a history of pelvic limb lameness. On physical examination, 9 dogs all showed a consistent weight bearing lameness and mild muscle atrophy. There was cranial drawer sign with pain in 9 dogs. Mediolateral radiographic projection revealed cranial subluxation of the tibial tuberosity in a tibial compression view. The right and left stifle joints were affected in 7 dogs and 2 dogs respectively. TightRope cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) technique for treatment of CCL deficiency was performed. Polyester and nylon were used to stabilize the stifle in 3 dogs and 6 dogs respectively. Suture sizes were 0.8 mm (n = 2), 0.9 mm (n = 4), 1.1 mm (n = 2), and $1.1mm{\times}2$ strands (n = 1) in diameter. Mean (${\pm}SD$) surgical duration was $48.3{\pm}8.5$ minutes (range 35 to 60 minutes). Preoperative and postoperative mean (${\pm}SD$) cranial drawer signs were $8.6{\pm}1.6$ mm (rage 7 to 12 mm) and $1.2{\pm}1.0$ mm (rage 0 to 3 mm) respectively. Immediate postoperative radiographs of the affected limb revealed no evidence of cranial subluxation of the tibial tuberosity in a tibial compression view of 9 dogs. Normal limb function was regained in 8 dogs within 8 weeks postoperatively. A consistent weight bearing lameness resolved in all dogs after TightRope CCL technique, but reoccurred in one dog (case No. 6) 2 weeks after surgery. Cranial subluxation of the tibial tuberosity was identified in a tibial compression test. During the second surgery, breakage of surgical button was identified and a tibial wedge osteotomy was performed. Based on surgical time, complication, stifle stability, and functional recovery, the present study indicated that TightRope CCL technique is effective treatment for the dogs with CCL deficiency.