Case Study

ORTHO – Full rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in a 6 year old MN Labrador Retriever with contra stifle CCL repair

This 6 year old MN Husky mix dog has a history of a surgical repair on a left CCL tear; assessment of right stifle today

DX

The findings of the right stifle joint are compatible with full rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament. Moreover medial meniscal degeneration, if not injury with meniscal detachment is suspected based on the changes noted.

Image Interpretation

ultrasound of the right stifle –

There is moderate anechoic effusion within the supra- and infrapatellar recesses of the stifle joint along with marked thickening of the synovial lining. Echogenic speckles are seen within the anechoic effusion. A moderate amount of periarticular osteophytes is noted. The cartilage surface of the femoral condyles is increased in echogenicity and irregular in outline. The subchondral bone surface is uneven as well. The infrapatellar fat pad presents marked heterogeneity with emerging mineralization. The cranial (CCL) is an echogenic stump of fibres at the intercondylar eminence of the tibia surrounded by marked effusion. The medial meniscus is in situ but of non-uniform echogenicity. A thin gap filled by anechoic fluid is seen between the distal meniscal margin and the joint surface of the tibia.

Outcome

Marked chronic degenerative joint disease (DJD) with effusion, synovialitis and osteophytosis is noted. There is indirect evidence of a compartment syndrome with advanced cartilage breakdown.