Comparison of Extracapsular Stabilization Techniques Using an Ultrasonically Implanted Absorbable Bone Anchor...

This study evaluated joint stability after surgical repair of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle joints in cats using a novel absorbable polylactide bone anchor in an ex vivo model.

Thirty-six hindlimbs from cats with intact (G_i group) and transected CrCLs were treated with fabellotibial suture alone (G_FW group), suture combined with an absorbable polylactide bone anchor (G_WD group), or suture combined with a nonabsorbable bone anchor (G_FT group), positioned in a limb press with predefined joint angles (stifle joint: 120 ± 5°; hock joint: 120 ± 5°) and loaded with 10%, 20%, and 30% of body mass (BM). Predefined points were measured on lateral radiographs and with a coordinate measurement machine. Distances on radiographs (mm) were measured and angles (°) were calculated to represent the craniocaudal movement and the internal rotation of the tibia.

There were no differences for craniocaudal movement between G_i and G_FW or G_FT, but for G_WD regarding angle measurement at 30% BM. For internal rotation, there was no significant difference between G_i and G_FW or G_WD, but for G_FT.

The used absorbable polylactide bone-anchor was able to stabilize the stifle joint regarding internal rotation and craniocaudal movement as calculated from distance measurements.