Reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament for tarsocrural luxation in the dog: a preliminary study

Seven cases of tarsocrural subluxation/luxation resulting from ruptures of the medial collateral ligament were treated by double prosthetic replacement. The technique was a revision of an earlier described method without the use of metallic implants. Six (100%) of six cases not involving additional joint fractures had excellent clinical results with minimal compromise to range of joint motion. In three (50%) of six cases where braided polyester sutures were implanted as the prosthesis, fistulating tracts developed. Drainage resolved with removal of the suture in each of these three cases, and two of the three proceeded to excellent results after replacing the braided suture with monofilament suture.