Evaluating the outcome after center of rotation of angulation (CORA)-based leveling osteotomy (CBLO) technique to repair unilateral cranial cruciate ligament deficiency using a pressure-sensitive walkway system.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcome of center of rotation of angulation (CORA)-based leveling osteotomy (CBLO) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) deficiency using a pressure-sensitive walkway system. Fifteen dogs with unilateral CrCL deficiency were treated with CBLO for an average of 50 wk (median 46 wk, range: 38 to 91) prior to the evaluation. The contralateral hind limb was confirmed free of any signs of pathology by clinical examination and lateral stifle radiography. A control group of 20 healthy dogs was included to establish reference values for comparison purposes. Spatiotemporal parameters and peak vertical force (PVF) were measured and symmetry index (SI) was calculated between the left and right pelvic limb and between thoracic and pelvic limbs, in both groups. The mean hind limb SI for the 15 CBLO-treated dogs and the 20 dogs in the control group was 1.02 ± 0.1 and 1.03 ± 0.07, respectively, the difference being not significant (P = 0.75). There was no significant difference in the thoracic limb/pelvic limb ratio between the 2 groups (P = 0.42). The dogs' recovery was objectively measured on a pressure-sensitive walkway and the CrCL-deficient dogs had returned to full functioning within 6 to 12 mo. Center of rotation of angulation-based leveling osteotomy provided normal function of the operated hind limb and should be considered as an option for treating canine CrCL deficiency.