Multiple Ligamentous Injuries of the Canine Stifle Joint: A Literature Review and Clinical Case Study

[摘要] The aim of this thesis is to detail the clinical, ancillary, surgical and postoperative findings in eleven cases of multiple ligamentous injuries of the canine stifle joint. All cases were presented to the University of Glasgow Veterinary School during the period October 1992 to August 1995. Severe trauma was required to produced multiple ligamentous injury of the stifle joint in nine of the dogs in this series. This resulted from an injury occurring when running at speed, catching the limb in a fence or gate, or from a road traffic accident. In the remaining two dogs, injury occurred without obvious trauma and in these cases there was evidence of chronic stifle joint infection. Multiple ligamentous stifle joint injuries occurred most frequently in adult, male, working or sporting dogs and resulted in a non-weight bearing lameness and stifle joint subiuxation. Complete dislocation of the joint occurred in two cases. The cranial cruciate ligament was always injured and ten of the cases involved the caudal cruciate ligament, as well as one, or both, of the collateral ligaments. The most frequent combination was injury to the cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments and the lateral collateral ligament and this injury occurred most often after catching the limb in a fence or gate. Injury to the menisci was a common finding. The surgical method employed produced good to excellent results for long-term limb function in ten cases. There was no significant decrease in thigh muscle mass or reduction in stifle joint range of motion in nine of the cases at long-term follow-up. Radiographic changes such as osteophytic development, joint effusion and soft tissue swelling occurred in all cases postoperatively. These findings are discussed in light of a broad review of the literature pertaining to multiple ligamentous injuries of the stifle joint in dogs and the relevant comparative aspects in man.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow

[关键词] Veterinary science