Does a fabella-tibial suture alter the outcome for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency undergoing arthrotomy and caudal pole medial meniscectomy?
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fabella-tibial suture (FTS) on long-term outcome in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) insufficiency and concurrent medial meniscal tear (MMT) that were managed by an open, caudal pole medial meniscectomy (CPMM).


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed of the clinical records of dogs treated for CCL insufficiency with concurrent MMT by open CPMM, with or without the non-random addition of a nylon FTS according to surgeon preference, during the period of 2001 to 2004. The Bristol Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire was modified for owner assessment of outcome using a visual analogue scale based on several criteria: level of activity, disability, severity of lameness and frequency of lameness before and after surgery.


RESULTS
Completed questionnaires from 31 dog owners were received. A FTS was used after CPMM in 22 dogs (FTS group), but in nine dogs (control group) only a CPMM was performed. The median time to follow up was longer in the FTS group (25 months) than the control group (16 months) (P=0.03). There were not any significant differences between the two groups before and after surgery for the following: disability, activity, frequency of lameness, severity of lameness, ability to climb stairs and ability to sit down.


CONCLUSIONS
The placement of a FTS following stifle joint arthrotomy and CPMM in dogs with CCL deficiency and concurrent MMT may not be a significant factor affecting the ultimate surgical outcome, although our study is limited by the non-randomised study design.
Tivers
M S
MS
University of Bristol, Division of Companion Animals, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford House, Langford, Bristo, UK. mtivers@rvc.ac.uk
Commerford
E J
EJ
Owen
M R
MR
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D008022:Ligaments / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013264:Stifle / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors