Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2007; 20(03): 198-203
DOI: 10.1160/VCOT-06-08-0069
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Stifle joint luxation in the dog and cat: The use of temporary intraoperative transarticular pinning to facilitate joint reconstruction

B. Keeley
1   School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland
,
M. Glyde
2   School of Veterinary and Biomechanical Sciences, Murdoch University, Australia
,
S. Guerin
3   Gilabbey Veterinary Hospital, Cork, Republic of Ireland
,
R. Doyle
4   Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Hertfordshire, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 01 September 2006

Accepted 22 July 2006

Publication Date:
21 December 2017 (online)

Summary

Multiple ligament injuries of the canine and feline stifle joint which result in luxation are uncommon. Two cats and one dog, that had sustained such a joint injury were surgically treated. A rupture of the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments, and at least one collateral ligament was observed in all of the three animals. Prosthetic reconstruction was used, as previously described, in combination with a novel technique of intraoperative placement of a temporary trans-articular pin (TTP) to maintain intra-operative anatomical reduction. TTP placement facilitated maintenance of joint alignment during surgical reconstruction and aided appropriate tensioning of the prosthetic sutures, preventing collapse of femorotibial joint compartments. The TTP was removed prior to closure of the joint allowing immediate post-operative joint mobilisation. Based on assessment by their owners, all the animals made a complete recovery. TTP was considered a relatively simple and effective adjunctive aid for surgical treatment of traumatic luxation of the stifle joint.

 
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