The aim of the present research was to develop an alternative method of treatment for tenopatellar lesions. The tenopatellar implant, preserved in glycerin 98%, was applied in 24 dogs, associated (group I - twelve dogs) or not (group II - twelve dogs) to laser therapy with gallium arsenide during the first ten post-operative days. The animals in each group were divided again in subgroups according to body weight (between 10 and 20kg or between 21 and 30kg) and according to post-operative period (60, 120 and 180 days) of evaluation. The stifle joint was immobilized through percutaneous external skeletal fixation type II for 30 post-operative days. Temporary articular immobilization provided adequate joint stability. At radiographic exams, different stages of bone resorption from the implant were verified, being more evident at 180 days post-operativelly. Microscopically, fragments of osteal trabecules of the graft, in reabsorption phase, surrounded by osteoclasts and filled with fibrovascular tissue were verified in all the groups. Newbone formation at the graft from endochondral ossification, more evident at the 180th day group, was noted. Despite the need for more studies, with a longer period of post-operatory evaluation, the implant of an orthotopic homologous tenopatellar segment preserved in glycerin 98% is suitable for replacement of tenopatellar segments in dogs weighting up to 30 kg.
allograft; surgery; glycerol; patella; physiotherapy; dogs
