Case Study

ORTHO – Partial cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture with normal meniscus in a 6 year old MN Husky mix

This 6 year old MN Husky mix had a previous CCL tear 6 months ago left stifle; now lame right hind.

Physical exam: positive Sits test, positive cranial drawer, CTT right stifle; medial buttress.

CBC/Chem: WBC 19,000, slight increase ALT

This 6 year old MN Husky mix had a previous CCL tear 6 months ago left stifle; now lame right hind.

Physical exam: positive Sits test, positive cranial drawer, CTT right stifle; medial buttress.

CBC/Chem: WBC 19,000, slight increase ALT

DX

The ultrasonographic examination of the right stifle joint reveals moderate chronic degenerative joint disease with synovialitis, effusion and osteoarthritis. The findings further suggest partial rupture and elongation of the CLL. Biomechanical failure is likely.

Image Interpretation

Ultrasound of the right stifle – a moderate amount of osteophytes is seen at the periarticular margins. The femoropatellar joint carrilage presents mild irregularity at the most proximal extent of the femoral trochlea. The infrapatellar fat pad presents an irregular echo pattern. Most of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) fibers are continuous, but with increased thickness and irregular delineation. The continuous fibers appear to be elongated. The medial and lateral meniscus are ultrasonographically within normal limits.