A multiligament, internal brace, coaptationless stifle reconstruction technique for feline stifle luxation.

Coaptationless multiligament reconstruction without immobilization yields good outcomes in feline stifle luxation.

This retrospective case series describes a novel coaptationless surgical technique for treating multiligament stifle injuries (MLSI) in 23 cats. The technique employs ligament-specific reconstruction methods: TightRope procedure for cranial and lateral collateral ligament injuries, intra-articular reconstruction for caudal cruciate ligament deficiency, and knotless anchors for medial collateral ligament repair. Unlike traditional approaches, postoperative joint immobilization was not utilized. Initial stabilization was achieved in all cases, with six major complications occurring: four involving recurrent caudal cruciate ligament instability and two involving medial patellar luxation. All but one complication were resolved through revision surgery; one case required arthrodesis. At follow-up (up to 6 months), lameness grades ranged from 1 to undetectable, with feline musculoskeletal pain index scores of 0.95-1.0. The results demonstrate that appropriate reconstruction of all injured ligaments, particularly the caudal cruciate ligament, is critical for minimizing postoperative complications. This technique provides an effective alternative to immobilization-based approaches in feline patients.

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