Canis ISSN: 2398-2942

Stifle: extra-articular stabilization

Introduction

• Aim of procedure is to increase the tension in the peri-articular soft tissues and limit abnormal craniocaudal instability and excessive internal tibial rotation.
• Sutures are usually applied on the lateral aspect of the stifle, but some techniques involve both aspects of the joints.
• A number of techniques are commonly used.
• All techniques will limit normal joint motion to some degree.
• Most suture materials eventually fail and in the long term joint stability is provided by peri-articular fibrosis. Dynamic stability from the hamstring muscles may also play a part in joint stability in the long term.

Uses

• Stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligement deficient stifle joint Stifle: cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Advantages

• Provides immediate joint stability.
• Foreign material placed outside the joint.
• Relatively straightforward surgery.
• Little specialized equipment needed.
• Well established and tested technique.

Disadvantages

• Dogs often relatively uncomfortable for first 1-2 weeks following surgery.
• Permanent peri-articular foreign material may increase risk of infection.
• Sutures generally fail within 6-8 weeks, and hence permanent joint stability is not restored.
• Can prevent normal internal rotation of the joint, especially during flexion.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Prognosis

• Favorable - around 90% of dogs will significantly improve following surgery and regain good use of the operated limb.
• Some future osteoarthritis is inevitable and will require long term management.