Combination of TPLO, medial and lateral augmentation techniques for the treatment of traumatic stifle luxation in a cat

Abstract

Case summary An 11-year-old female neutered domestic shorthair cat was referred for surgical management of a traumatic right stifle luxation. Orthopaedic examination of the affected stifle under general anaesthesia revealed joint effusion and craniocaudal and rotational instability. Cranial displacement of the tibia with respect to the femur and infrapatellar pad sign were identified on radiography. Intraoperatively, complete rupture of both cruciate ligaments and marked disruption of the mid and caudal poles of the medial and lateral menisci were observed. Both collateral ligaments appeared intact. The remnants of the injured cruciate ligaments were removed, and medial and lateral caudal hemimeniscectomies were performed. A tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) was performed to address the craniocaudal stifle instability. Intraoperative assessment of the stifle revealed persistent instability with cranial tibial translation, internal and external rotation, and a positive caudal draw test. A lateral augmentation suture was employed to address the persistent cranial tibial translation and internal rotation. To successfully neutralise caudocranial and external rotational instability secondary to the caudal cruciate ligament deficiency, a medial augmentation suture was placed with the aid of three interference screws. Stifle stability was achieved. A modified Robert-Jones bandage was kept on for 24 h postoperatively. An excellent outcome was achieved, with successful limb function restoration. Relevance and novel information This case report represents the first documented instance of feline traumatic stifle luxation repair by combining a corrective tibial osteotomy and extra-articular augmentation. Notably, it introduces the novel technique of implementing a TPLO with medial and lateral augmentation sutures to address multidirectional stifle instability.