Clinical and radiographic changes associated with intercondylar notchplasty (IN) after transection of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) followed by a fascial strip reconstruction were studied in nine adult dogs. The right stifle was submitted to IN followed by fascial strip reconstruction of the CCL (GI) while in the left IN was not performed (GC). Dogs were evaluated the day prior to surgery, on the immediate postoperative day and at 30, 90 and 180 days after surgery, time at which a subgroup of three dogs were euthanatized. Instability and lameness significantly decreased throughout the evaluation period, although instability was observed during flexion. There was a significant decrease in muscle perimeter at 30 and 90 days po in both groups. Changes in degree of extension, flexion, internal rotation of the tibia, range of motion, or DAD were not observed throughout the evaluation period in any group. It is concluded that IN, followed by a fascial strip reconstruction of the CCL does not cause any change in the variables studied in dogs, when compared to a fascial strip reconstruction alone.
intercondylar notch; degenerative joint disease; cranial cruciate ligament; canine