Evaluating the Benefit and Tolerability of an Intra-articular Injection of a Collagen-Elastin Biomaterial into the Stifle Joint of Dogs with Suspected Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Introduction: Cranial cruciate disease (CCD) in dogs often requires surgical intervention, which can be associated with significant expense and potential complications. An intraarticular device consisting of a collagen-elastin matrix functions to replace synovial fluid, provide a scaffold for the intraarticular space, and remains within the joint for a prolonged period of time. Its inert nature could allow it to be used to provide comfort to patients not suitable for surgical intervention.

Materials and Methods: Eligible dogs were older than 6 months and diagnosed with a suspected CCR by a Board-certified surgeon. Using a Simon's two-stage design, an initial cohort of 22 dogs was enrolled. The biomaterial was injected into the affected stifle joint and dogs were followed over 84 days with serial evaluations using the visual lameness score, modified Glasgow Composite Pain Score (mGCPS), and the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire.

Results: Fourteen of 22 dogs (64%) experienced a >25% improvement in their mGCPS. Fifteen dogs (68%) showed an improvement in their visual lameness scores (median improvement 36%). Sixteen dogs (73%) had an improvement in their LOAD scores (median improvement 43%). There have been no serious adverse events reported.

Discussion/Conclusion: Over half of injected patients were reported to have a positive response in the first stage of the study. This suggests a significant benefit to the device and allows for accrual into stage two of the study (18 additional dogs). The lack of adverse events reported supports the device as being a minimally invasive management option for canine CCD.

Acknowledgments: Funding for this study has been provided by the company that produces the collagen-elastin biomaterial being investigated.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 September 2023