Advances in the Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament, 2nd edition

176 Surgical Treatment

(A) (B)

(C)(D)

Figure 23.7 (A) The cranial

cruciate ligament (CrCL) of this

dog initially appears normal.

(B–D) A partial tear of the

cranial medial band of the CrCL

was found when the proximal

attachment of the ligament was

carefully probed. This CrCL

partial tear would be difficult to

see using traditional arthrotomy.

different flexion angles and applying tibial
thrust can displace the meniscal tear and facil-
itate a correct diagnosis. The magnified view
from the arthroscope aids identification of
meniscal damage. The femoral surface of the
caudal horn of the medial meniscus may have
wearing of fibers or a change in character of the
surface. These changes may be difficult to detect
without magnification, and are often associ-
ated with minimally displaced medial menis-
cal tears. Small radial and axial meniscal tears
are also identified more easily with magnifica-
tion. The meniscus should be carefully probed
on the tibial and femoral surface to assess for

tears (Figures 23.5 and 23.9). Tear detection is

improved with arthroscopy (Pozziet al. 2008).

Partial meniscectomy can be performed more

accurately using arthroscopy whilst minimiz-

ing articular cartilage damage. Arthroscopic-

assisted meniscectomy through an arthrotomy

incision (see below) often helps to ensure com-

plete and efficient removal of damaged portions

of the meniscus.

Medial meniscal release helps to reduce

development of postliminary meniscal tears

after treatment of CR. Meniscal release can

be performed under arthroscopic guidance

by transection of the caudal meniscotibial

(A) (B)

MFC MFC

MM

MM

TP

TP

Figure 23.8 The view of the

medial meniscus (MM) of this

patient is improved using a stifle

distractor. (A) The view and

access to the meniscus is

inadequate initially. (B) With use

of a stifle distractor, meniscal

evaluation and access for partial

meniscectomy is improved.

MFC, medial femoral condyle;

TP, tibial plateau.