A novel surgical technique for cranial cruciate ligament repair in dogs using autologous lateral digital extensor muscle tendon graft combined with platelet-rich plasma: A preliminary experimental study.

Abstract

Background and aim: Cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injuries are a prevalent orthopedic issue in dogs, typically managed through surgical interventions such as tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and tibial tuberosity advancement. However, these techniques have limitations, including high costs and extended recovery periods. This study introduces an innovative CrCL repair method employing an autologous lateral digital extensor muscle tendon graft and evaluates the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on tissue healing.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four healthy, male, local-breed dogs were divided into two groups. Group A underwent the surgical procedure without PRP, while Group B received intra-articular PRP during surgery. Outcomes were evaluated through clinical assessments of lameness, post-operative complications, and histological analysis over 10, 20, 30, and 40 days.

Results: The PRP-treated group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in post-operative complication scores (p = 0.0025) and histological outcomes (p = 0.0002). However, graft maturation was unaffected by PRP treatment but improved over time (p = 0.0013). PRP-treated dogs exhibited faster recovery and enhanced tissue regeneration, with reduced inflammation and improved graft-bone attachment.

Conclusion: This novel surgical approach demonstrates significant potential for improving outcomes in CrCL repair by combining autologous tendon grafting with PRP. The technique offers reduced complications and enhanced healing, providing a promising alternative to traditional methods. Further studies are recommended to validate its efficacy in clinical settings.