Clinical and radiographic findings after intra-articular replacement of cranial cruciate ligament with a polyester prosthesis using a modified over-the-top technique were evaluated in six dogs. Seven surgeries were done due to bilateral involvement of the cranial cruciate ligament in one dog. Clinical evaluation was performed on postoperative days 3, 10 and 40, and radiographic evaluation was done at 5 and 24 months after surgery in five dogs, where signs of progressive degenerative joint disease were confirmed. Resolution of clinical signs was observed from 25 to 68 days after surgery as evaluated by dog owners. Overall function of joint movement after surgery was classified as good. Two dogs presented fraying of the implant after surgery. It was concluded that the polyester prosthesis, as implanted in these dogs, was not a satisfactory replacement for the injured ligament, as better results may be obtained with less invasive and simpler techniques.
polyester prosthesis; cranial cruciate ligament; dog
