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Cranial cruciate ligament repair in a calf
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 1, 1976
Insights
A ruptured cranial cruciate ligament in a calf was surgically repaired using a bone graft from the patella. Postoperative complications unfortunately hindered the joint
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is a common debilitating injury in young bovines.
- Surgical intervention is often necessary to restore limb function, but graft material and technique are critical.
- Limited research exists on using autologous patellar bone grafts for CCL reconstruction in calves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using a patellar bone graft for cranial cruciate ligament reconstruction in a calf.
- To document the surgical technique and assess early postoperative outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A 1-month-old calf with a ruptured CCL underwent surgical repair.
- A bone graft comprising the cranial one-third of the patella and attached middle patellar tendon was harvested.
- The graft was used to replace the ruptured CCL.
Main Results:
- The surgical procedure was technically feasible, utilizing an autologous patellar bone graft.
- The calf experienced postoperative complications that limited the overall functional recovery of the pelvic limb joint.
Conclusions:
- Cranial cruciate ligament reconstruction using a patellar bone graft is possible in young calves.
- Postoperative complications can significantly impact joint function, highlighting the need for careful management and further research.
Abstract:
A 1-month-old calf was unable to use its right pelvic limb because of rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. The ligament was replaced with a wedge of bone from the cranial one-third of the patella and the attached portion of the middle patellar tendon. Postoperative complications limited function of the joint.