Effect of Suture Type on Stifle Joint Biomechanics After Extra-Articular Repair of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Transection in the Dog

Abstract

SummaryThe effect of two suture types, monofilament polybutester and braided polyester, on stifle joint biomechanics after extra-articular repair of cranial cruciate ligament rupture was evaluated by analysis of the instant centre of motion. The instant centres of motion and resulting velocity vectors were determined radiographically on both stifles of eight fresh canine cadavers before and after cranial cruciate ligament transection. After ligament transection, all 16 stifles were repaired with an extra-articular technique utilizing a double strand of suture placed between the lateral fabella and the tibial tuberosity. One stifle on each cadaver was repaired with each suture type. The instant centres of motion and resulting velocity vectors were re-evaluated post repair. All stifles had normal instant centres of motion prior to transection of the cranial cruciate ligament. Neither ligament transection nor extra-articular repair with either suture type resulted in an abnormal change in the instant centre of motion.