[Stifle stability after lateral suture stabilisation using Ethibond Excel®: early destabilisation following cyclic...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Surgical Techniques

Context:

• The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is crucial for stifle joint stability in dogs.
• Lateral suture stabilization (LSS) is a common surgical technique for CCL insufficiency.
• The effectiveness of LSS in restoring stifle stability and maintaining suture tension requires investigation.

Purpose:

• To evaluate cranio-caudal stifle stability (ccStab) after LSS and passive joint motion.
• To measure suture tension following knotting in LSS procedures.
• To assess the biomechanical outcome of LSS in canine stifles.

Summary:

• In vitro analysis of canine stifles demonstrated that LSS with Ethibond and clamped square knots failed to restore physiological stability.
• Significant joint destabilization occurred after only 250 cycles of passive motion.
• Suture tension dropped dramatically from initial maximal tension to minimal tension after knotting, indicating poor fixation.

Impact:

• LSS using Ethibond and clamped square knots is insufficient for restoring stifle stability.
• The technique leads to progressive joint destabilization with cyclic passive motion.
• Clamped square knots compromise suture tension, contributing to the failure of LSS; alternative fixation methods are warranted.