Suture attachment sites on stifle joint of small and large dog breeds for cranial cruciate ligament rupture repair

Abstract

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is one of the most common problems in dogs. Previous studies have arrived
at no absolute conclusion regarding suture attachment sites using the extracapsular technique to repair cranial cruciate
ligaments in dogs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and compare suture attachment sites on the
femur and tibia between small and large dog breeds at different stifle angles. Twenty-seven cadaveric hind limbs of
small dogs and 16 cadaveric limbs of large dogs were collected, and lateral photographs were taken at different stifle
angles (including 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160 degrees). Based on anatomical landmarks, three points were marked
on the femur and five points were marked on the tibia. Distances between the center of points on the femur and tibia
at different angles were measured in millimeters with a picture analysis program. The minimum change in distance at
the different angles was the most isometric distance. The most isometric distance was identified in small and large dogs
between the lateral condyle of the distal femur cranial to the middle part of the lateral fabella and the caudal part of the
tibial tuberosity. According to the study, the most isometric distance is recommended to be used for cranial cruciate
ligament repair.