Objective
To evaluate lateral fabellotibial suture (LFTS) and TightRope CCL (TR) extra‐articular stabilization biomechanics in the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)‐deficient canine stifle joint during the stance phase of gait.
Study design
Computer simulations.
Animals
Healthy 33‐kg Golden Retriever.
Methods
LFTS and TR were implemented in a previously developed 3‐D quasi‐static rigid body CrCL‐deficient canine pelvic limb computer model simulating the stance phase of gait. Ligament loads, relative tibial translation, and relative tibial rotation were determined and compared across the CrCL‐intact, CrCL‐deficient, and extra‐articular stabilized stifle joints.
Results
Compared to the CrCL‐intact stifle, peak caudal cruciate and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) loads were increased in the LFTS‐managed stifle, peak caudal cruciate and LCL loads were decreased in the TR‐managed stifle, and peak medial collateral and patellar ligament (PL) loads were similar for both techniques. Compared to the CrCL‐deficient stifle, peak caudal cruciate, lateral collateral, and medial collateral ligament loads decreased, and peak PL load was similar in the LFTS‐ and TR‐managed stifle joints. Peak relative tibial translation decreased, and peak relative tibial rotation changed from internal rotation to external rotation in the LFTS‐ and TR‐managed stifle joints compared to the CrCL‐deficient stifle.
Conclusion
Our computer model predicted controlled tibial translation, decreased cruciate and collateral ligament loads, and a change in femorotibial rotation from internal to external with LFTS and TR stifle management as compared to the CrCL‐deficient stifle. This study demonstrates how computer modeling can be used to evaluate biomechanics of stifle stabilization surgical techniques.