A clinical and radiological evaluation of the biceps femoris muscle transposition technique in the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of the use of biceps femoris muscle transposition in the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs, weighing ≤15 kilograms, through evaluation of the long-term functional results of the extremity and the elimination of lameness originating from joint instability. The study group was formed of 14 dogs of 4 different small breed dogs, with a mean weight of 9.8 kilograms, determined with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. All the dogs were treated with the biceps femoris muscle transposition technique. Postoperative clinical and radiographic evaluations were made on days 10, 30, 60 and 90. In the clinical evaluation, the Illinois University Evaluation Scale was used, and in the radiographic evaluation, the Osteoarthritis Progression Scale. In conclusion, clinical and radiological evaluations were made of biceps femoris muscle transposition and the technique was observed to be successful in the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs below 15 kilograms in weight. In comparison with other treatment methods, this technique has been determined to be reliable with the advantages that it is less invasive, operation costs are lower, it can be easily applied in a shorter time and complication rates are low.