Summary
Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate by clinical, radiographic, and force
plate gait analyses the effect of postsurgical intra-articular injections of autologous
platelet concentrates (PC) in a small group of dogs with cranial cruciate ligament
(CCL) rupture.
Methods The ten dogs used in this study were initially presented with CCL rupture and underwent
ligament replacement surgery by fascia lata autograft guided by arthroscopy. Six dogs
received three intra-articular injections of PC (PC group); one dose was injected
immediately after surgery, and two additional doses were injected at two-week intervals.
The remaining four dogs received only nutraceuticals (control group). All dogs were
evaluated by clinical examination, serial radiography, and force plate gait analyses
at monthly intervals up to 90 days.
Results The clinical follow-up of the PC-treated group indicated a better outcome than the
control group. Radiographic evaluation was not conclusive. Values of peak vertical
reaction force and vertical impulse of the affected limbs were only significantly
larger on the 90th postoperative day in the PC group compared to the control group.
Clinical significance Our results indicate that autologous PC might improve functional outcome after intra-articular
cranial cruciate ligament repair. The effect of PC when using other repair procedures
warrants additional studies.
Keywords
Autologous platelet concentrates - cranial - cruciate ligament - force plate gait
analyses - dog