Arthroscopic evaluation of menisci in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injuries: 100 cases (1999-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To determine prevalence of meniscal injuries by use of arthroscopic examination in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
94 dogs with 100 injured CCLs.


METHODS
Records for 94 large dogs (> 20 kg [44 lb]) with 100 naturally occurring CCL injuries that were examined arthroscopically were reviewed. Pathologic findings in the CCL (complete or partial tears), prevalence and type of meniscal injuries, and periarticular osteophytes were recorded.


RESULTS
77% of joints had tears of the lateral meniscus; most were a series of small radial tears of the cranial horn. Fifty-eight percent of joints had tears of the medial meniscus. Positive correlation between complete tears of the CCL and medial meniscal damage was found. No significant relationships were detected between periarticular osteophyte formation and meniscal injury, medial and lateral meniscal injury, or degree of CCL tear and lateral meniscal injury.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a strong association between CCL injury and lateral and medial meniscal injuries in dogs. Clinical importance of lateral meniscal lesions is not known; a much higher percentage of dogs had such injuries than has been reported previously, possibly because of use of arthroscopy.
Ralphs
S Christopher
SC
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, 1111 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, USA.
Whitney
Wayne O
WO
D000818:Animals; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013264:Stifle / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries