Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is one of the most prevalent stifle diseases in dogs and its therapy is a problem today. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the response to long digital extensor muscle tendon preserved in glycerol as a substitute of the cranial cruciate ligament in dogs. The technique was performed in 18 mongrel dogs, with mean body weight of 16.5kg, and evaluated until 45, 80 or 120 postoperative days. Clinic, radiographic, macroscopic and histologic studies were done. The technique was efficient to return to normal gait determining good articular stability, although the biologic implant was absent in most animals and the mononylon was not taut.
implant; surgery; stifle; orthopedic
