The clinical, radiographical and arthroscopical diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament lesions and surgical therapy in dogs

Cranial cruciate rupture was diagnosed by clinical, radiographical and arthroscopical examinations in 15 dogs, and arthroscopically observed intraarticular degenerative changes were arthroscopically described and surgically treated. The drawer test was positive in 9 cases and indefinite in 6 of the cases suspected of having a rupture in the cranial cruciate ligament, In 2 cases, pain was-present and in 4, swelling was observed in the joint. In the drawer test, in cases positive according to the radiographical examinations, the tibia was placed more cranially than the femur. In 4 cases, swelling was observed radiographically in the medial part of the joint. During arthroscopical examination, different stages of inflammation and hyperaemia were noted in the synovial membrane in all cases. Osteochondritis was observed on the medial surface of the distal medial condylus in 3 cases. Degenerative lesions were noted in the meniscus in 2 cases. Total rupture of the ligament was noted in 9 cases, while the ligament was fringed in 6 cases. Later, the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament was treated by modified tensor fascia lata muscle graft. In conclusion, while the diagnosis of cranial cruciate ligament ruptures could not be performed accurately clinically and radiographically, intraarticular changes and ligament rupture were correctly evaluated by arthroscopy. By the surgical method performed, all of the cases were treated successfully.