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34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings


Stream:   |   Session: Orthopaedic Short Communications
Date/Time: 05-07-2024 (17:00 - 17:15)   |   Location: Auditorium 1
Mid and long-term outcome of patellar ligament repair using an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene implant in dogs: a retrospective study of 12 cases
Castelli AC1, Garcia MG1, Crumière AC2, Camilletti PC3, Pink JP*4, Buttin PB5, Vedrine BV6, Delaune TD*7, Maigre HM8, Goin BG2, Fournet AF*9, Bernard FB*1
1Veterinary Hospital St Martin, Allonzier-La-Caille, France, 2Novetech Surgery, Monaco, Monaco, 3Veterinary Hospital Frégis, Paris, France, 4Willows Veterinary Centre, Solihull, United Kingdom, 5Itinerant surgeon, Villaz, France, 6Veterinary Clinic SeineVet, Boos, France, 7Veterinary Clinic Anicura Armonia, Villefontaine, France, 8Veterinary Clinic Vetivia, Biarritz, France, 9Veterinary Hospital Massilia, Marseille, France.

Objectives:

Conventional suture techniques for surgical management of patellar ligament (PL) rupture are associated with high complication rates. This multicenter case series aims to describe the use of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) implant secured with an interference screw (IS) for PL reconstruction in dogs, and to document results and complications.

Methods:

Medical records of dogs treated for PLR with an UHMWPE implant in eight referral centers were reviewed from February 2021 to November 2023. Data included diagnostic modalities, surgical technique, complications, follow-up and outcomes. Radiographic measurements evaluated the PL length (PLL) to patellar length (PLe) ratio on operated and contralateral limbs over time. Ratios were compared statistically.

Results:

12 stifles with PL rupture in 11 dogs were included. Follow-up was recorded between three months and two years postoperatively. Normal limb function was reported between three and five months postoperatively in all dogs, except one that presented mild impairment in comparison with his preinjury level of activity. No major complication was recorded. PLL/PLe ratio significantly decreased after surgery and no statistical differences between measured ratios over follow-up periods and contralateral ratios were noted.

Conclusions:

The UHMWPE implant secured with an IS provided a satisfactory repair in all 12 cases without major complications, and good functional outcomes in 10 dogs. This technique may lead to lower complication rates than conventional techniques of PL repair. The biomechanical strength of the implant avoiding the need for augmentation and postoperative immobilization or external coaptation may explain these results.

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