CRUCIATE LIGAMENT SURGERY
Please read on for a guide to cruciate surgery and the post-operative period
The aim of surgical treatment of a torn cruciate ligament is to
• Provide stability to the knee which in turn will reduce further damage
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Reduce further joint damage and arthritis
There are several factors to consider when planning for Cruciate Surgery, which will ultimately effect the longer term outcome and joint management plan.
1. Is this a long standing problems?
2. How much damage has been done?
3. Are there signs of Degenerative joint disease and Osteoarthritis already present?
Surgery can definitely help improve the long term outcomes, and improve both function and comfort. Surgery is however is only the first phase of recovery, with healing and strengthening taking up to 6mths in some cases. We expect good return to function with 12 weeks, and some sooner that this.
It is also important to note that whilst many patients are keen to get back to normal activity, it is important to ensure tha a slow return to normal function is allowed. As with any joint injury, too much activity too soon, can delayed healing and lead to further damage.
Home care is therefore equally important to a successful recovery, and a controlled individual rehab plan will be discussed.
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
There are two different surgical procedures that can be performed to stabilize the knee. Both procedures involve a thorough exploration and clean up of the knee joint.
1. D’angelis (Extra capsular Repair) : This is the recommended treatment for smaller dogs
This procedure involves the placement of two artificial ligaments through tunnels in the bone and anchored to the fabella which sits at the back of the knee. We use Ligafiba which is one of the strongest synthetic artificial ligaments available. This is usually adequate for small breeds and some medium breed dogs.
Artifical ligaments are never as strong as the original, but will provide adequate stabilization long enough for the body to lay down scar tissue which will help provide longer term knee stability.
Complications of D’angelis procedure include
– Early loosening of the artificial ligament (often with too much activity post operative)
– Wound infection. (Reports suggests < 5%, and even lower in our experience)
2. TPLO: (Tibial plateau Leveling Osteotomy) – or Tibial Wedge Leveling Osteotomy (TWLO).
This is the treatment of choice for larger dogs.
The tibia plateau is the surface that the femur sits on. In many large breed dogs this plateau is very steep and leads to abnormal strain on the cruciate ligament, leading to the high number of cruciate injuries we see in large breed dogs. If the plateau was level then there would be less strain and tension on the cruciate ligament, and reduced instability of the joint.
A TPLO procedure aims to change the angle of the tibial plateau making it more level. Leveling of the tibial plateau is achieved by cutting the bone and removing a small wedge from the tibia. The bone is held in its new position by a stainless steel plate and screws. We now use the more advanced Evolox, locking plate technology which is stronger and has less chance of implant loosening.
Leveling the tibial Plateau improves to the bio-mechanical forces acting on the knee, which results in increased stability of knee and prevents abnormal movement during activity. The cruciate ligament is not replaced and studies have shown that the knee works perfectly well without it, providing the angle is level enough.
Active dogs and Larger breeds tend to benefit greatly from this procedure. The benefits include
• Allows faster recovery times resulting in less muscle wastage.
• Provides a better long term prognosis for reducing degenerative joint disease and the progression of osteoarthritis, which is inevitable with such injuries
Possible Complications of a TPLO include:
• Early implant loosening / breakage of screws or bending of the plate
• Delayed bone healing.
(Strict confinement and a slow gradual build up of controlled activity greatly reduces the risk of these problems)
• Infection (< 5%)
• Further cartilage damage
Meniscal Cartilage Damage
The Meniscus which is a cartilage structure within the joint, that provides a cushion for the bone to sit on can also be damaged when there is instability within the knee joint. About 50% of patients who tear their Cruciate Ligament will also tear their meniscal cartilage. Meniscal damage will cause increased pain and more joint damage, and if damaged needs to be addressed at the time of surgery.
Some patients may develop further cartilage damage in the future which may need to be addressed at a later date.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Whilst we now that once the cruciate ligament is torn the damaged joint will always develop a degree of Degenerative Joint Disease ( DJD) and osteoarthritis. It is however clear that that early surgical treatment will greatly reduce the degree of DJD and Osteoarthritis, which obviously helps improve longer term comfort levels.
Longer standing injuries especially those with signs of arthritis would also greatly benefit from ongoing joint management.
EXTRA MEASURES
We also feel that a few extra measures can be done to improve the immediate and postoperative comfort of your pet.
• IV Fluids: All animals are placed on an intravenous drip prior to, and during the general anaesthetic to help maintain blood pressure, but also deliver intravenous medications.
• Pain Management: Patient comfort is very important and patients are given several forms of pain relief,
1. Intravenous Methadone pain relief injections before surgery and during their hospital stay after surgery.
2. Additional pain relief in the way of anti-inflammatory medications is given by an injection immediately after surgery followed up by a course of medication to be administered at home.
3. Local Anaesthetic is infused directly into the joint at time of surgery to further decrease pain.
4. Pain Patch provided after Surgery
5. Synovan Course involving 4 weekly injections
6. Beransa Pain relief monthly injection
7. Compression bandage
8. Laser Therapy
• Antibiotics: Intravenous antibiotics are used routinely prior to, during, and after the surgery to help minimize the risk of infections. A short course is also provided to be administered at home.
HOME CARE AFTER SURGERY
• We aim for a 12 week initial recovery phase of treatment followed by controlled activity for several months after that to allow strengthening.
• REST and CONFINEMENT: is as important as the surgery and is needed to help healing and reduce the risk of complications with over exertion.
• Preparing at home
◦ Initial confinement to a pen or small room
◦ Toileting on lead only – no OFF lead until advised
◦ No running or jumping until advised.
• For all patients with cruciate ligament disease, a course of Synovan (active Ingredient being Pentosan Polysulphate) is included in the surgery. Synovan is a disease modifying Osteoarthritis Medication (DMOAD). It helps to reduce pain and inflammation from degenerative joint disease. It is a combination of Pentosan and Glucosamine which provides concentrated ant-inflammatory relief and stimulates active joint cartilage repair. Regular use can help improve joint lubrication and slow down the progression of degenerative joint disease thereby reducing ongoing inflammation and pain.
REHABILITATION
• A 4 week post-operative rehabilitation program is included in surgery.
• This is an integral part of the recovery process in humans and so we feel should be part of our pets recovery too
Rehabilitation sessions include:
◦ Laser Therapy :
▪ A break through in aiding recovery which is painless and drug free
▪ Helps with better pain relief, reduces inflammation, improves circulation and rate of healing.
◦ Massage and Passive Range of motion exercises to improve mobility, plus Joint stretches
◦ Patients generally enjoy their rehabilitation stays and feel more comfortable and mobile afterwards.
Each individual’s progress will be also assessed at the weekly visits and any problems or questions addressed.
A postoperative treatment plan will be discussed with you regarding exercise that can be performed at home.
PROGNOSIS
Early diagnosis and treatment greatly improves the prognosis. Whilst the injured leg will never be normal, with early surgery we expect a 90% return to function. Chronic and long term injuries that may have DJD and arthritic changes present at the time of treatment often have on going joint stiffness which will need to be managed.
Other measures that can help manage DJD and Osteoarthritis include
• Weight management and regular controlled exercise.
• Synovan/Pentosan “anti-arthritic” injections used as regular maintenance after the recovery phase
• Neutroceuticals such as those found in Hills J/D diet to provide glucosamine and other building blocks of joints.
• Antinol natural joint antinflammatory
• Omega supplements
Should you have any further questions please feel free to ask one of our Veterinarians.
