Evaluation of a transcondylar toggle system for stabilization of the cranial cruciate deficient stifle in small dogs and cats.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate use of a transcondylar toggle system (TCTS) for stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficient stifle in small dogs and cats.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

ANIMALS

Small dogs (<7 kg; n=14) and cats (2) with CrCL-associated lameness of <3 months duration and a tibial plateau angle <32 degrees.

METHODS

Affected animals had an extracapsular CrCL repair using the TCTS. Lameness score, muscle atrophy, osteoarthritis (OA) score, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 7-10 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Operative time was 75 +/- 16 minutes. Fifty-six percent required >1 bone tunnel attempts. One dog required revision at 2 weeks because of suture loosening. All stifles were stable at 6 weeks postoperatively. Fifteen animals were available for follow-up (7-10 months). Lameness improved significantly at 6 weeks (P<.0001), whereas muscle atrophy was worse at 6 weeks (P=.008) but improved at 7-10 months (P<.0001). OA scores were unchanged at 6 weeks (P=.08) but were significantly worse at 7-10 months (P<.0001). ROM remained unchanged at 6 weeks (P=1) and 7-10 months (P=.6).

CONCLUSIONS

The medially placed toggle provides a reliable short-term proximal anchor for the extracapsular suture with outcomes similar to other extracapsular techniques. The aiming device and drill bit are not recommended in their current form.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The TCTS appears to be a well-tolerated technique for proximal suture anchoring in extracapsular CrCL repair in small dogs and cats where instrumentation and anatomic constraints preclude other techniques.