An experimental study on the use of a carbon fibre prosthesis for the repair of the cranial cruciate ligament in the dog.

The severed cranial cruciate ligament of Beagles was replaced with a carbon fibre tow. Post-operatively the animals were evaluated clinically and radiographically. The animals were sacrificed and specimens collected for histology. There was marked infiltration of the implant by granulation tissue which matured into longitudinally orientated collagen fibres to form a new ligament. A foreign body reaction which occurred at about 12 weeks subsided after a few more weeks. Fracture of the implant was present in a high percentage of knees. The advantages and disadvantages are discussed and technical errors identified.