SwiveLock Bone Anchor Stabilization of the Cranial Cruciate Ligament Deficient Stifle in Dogs: Clinical Outcome

Matthew Raske, Don Hulse

Capital Area Veterinary Specialists, Austin, USA.
Department of Veterinary Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M University, College Station, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojvm.2013.37048                

Abstract

A number of surgical procedures have been reported for the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficient stifle in dogs. The objectives of this study were to report long-term outcomes in dogs with CCL deficient stifles stabilized with a knotless SwiveLock bone anchor preloaded with FiberTape and to report associated complications. Medical records were reviewed to identify dogs with unilateral CCL deficient stifles treated with the SwiveLock system (n = 41) between June 2008 and January 2012. Dogs were divided into three groups according to body weight to assess differences between owner assessed functional outcomes. Complications were recorded and a validated owner questionnaire was used to evaluate long-term outcomes at least 6 months postoperatively. Owner assessment prior to and after treatment with the SwiveLock system was statistically significant for each of the categories of the validated owner questionnaire. There was no significant difference among the weight groups for any of the preoperative and postoperative treatment owner questions. Complications requiring surgical revision occurred in three (7.3%) dogs. Two had surgical site infections and one had a subsequent meniscal tear. The authors concluded that the SwiveLock system placed at near isometric sites is an effective surgical option for the treatment of dogs with CCL deficient stifles.

Keywords

Canine; Cranial Cruciate Ligament; FiberTape; Isometric Stabilization; SwiveLock

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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