SYNTHETIC LIGAMENT PROSTHESIS FOR TREATMENT OF RUPTURED CRUCIATE LIGAMENTS AND MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT IN AN ADULT RAM - A CASE-REPORT

This report describes the case history of a 1.5-year-old ram admitted to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Berne, Switze rland, because of an acute severe lameness of the left rear limb. Clin ical and radiographic examination revealed disruption of the stifle jo int with rupture of both cruciate ligaments,the medial collateral Liga ment, and disruption of both menisci from their attachments. The ruptu red ligaments were replaced by synthetic ligament prostheses. Long-ter m examination at 12 months after implantation revealed slight instabil ity of the stifle joint, caused by degeneration of the medial meniscus , and signs of arthrosis deformans. The new formed periarticular conne ctive tissue contributed to the stability of the stifle joint, so that a good functional result was achieved. Necropsy findings at 14 months after implantation con firmed that the synthetic ligament prostheses were intact and the medial meniscus was detached from its insertion an d incorporated into the joint capsule. At microscopic examination of t he synthetic band prosthesis; ingrowth of collagen and fibrous tissue was evident.