Case Study

ORTHO – Degenerative joint disease (DJD) with partial cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in a 2 year old MN Labrador mix

This 2 year old MN Labrador mix had TTA surgery left stifle 7 months prior; now lameness right hind. Positive cranial drawer, CTT, medial buttress.

DX

compatible with moderate generalized chronic degenerative joint disease with joint effusion, osteophytosis, capsular fibrosis, synovial proliferation and emerging cartilage breakdown at the femoral trochlea. The findings are further compatible with partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament.

Image Interpretation

ultrasound of the right stifle-

Both the supra- and infrapatellar recess of the right stifle joint contain a moderate amount of anechoic effusion respectively. The joint capsule reveals marked thickening. Moderate synovial proliferations are noted.The cartilage layers onto the femoral trochlea is midly uneven thickness and increased in echogenicity. A large amount of osteophytes is noted at the periarticular margins of the femoropatellar and femorotibial joints. The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) presents partially continuous but irregular in thickness and echogenicity. Mild periligamentous effusion and irregular thickening of the synovial layer on the surface of the CCL is noted as well. The infrapatellar fat body presents heterogenous increase in echogenicity as found commonly in chronic degenerative joint disease (DJD). 

Outcome

The changes are siuggestive for biomechanical failure.
The menisci appear to be within normal limits.
Surgical therapy is indicated to address the biomechanical failure and prevent progression of the DJD & further damage.