Abstract
A major hurdle in investigating important clinical questions in knee ligament treatment
is a lack of valid translational animal models. This study characterizes the effects
of partial transection versus synovial debridement of the anterior (cranial) cruciate
ligament (ACL) in dogs. A total of 27 adult purpose-bred research hounds underwent
surgery and were assessed over the following 8 weeks. Dogs were randomized into the
following three ACL status groups: sham control (n = 9), intact ACL with synovial debridement (exposed ACL) (n = 9), and partial transection of the ACL (partial tear ACL) (n = 9). Dogs in the exposed ACL group and partial tear ACL group had significantly
(p < 0.05) more severe lameness, pain, effusion, reduced function, and reduced comfortable
range of motion compared with controls, with the partial tear ACL group being most
severely affected. More severe ACL and whole-joint pathology, and radiographic scores
for osteoarthritis were present in the partial tear ACL group compared with exposed
and/or sham control group. On the basis of these findings, biologic components of
ACL injury (exposed ACL) played a role in whole-joint inflammation, but the clinical
and pathological effects were more severe when both biologic and biomechanical components
were present (i.e., partial tear ACL). These novel canine models were successfully
developed to evaluate partial transection versus synovial debridement of the ACL and
these models will be used to evaluate treatment options for acute management of ACL
injuries.
Keywords
anterior cruciate ligament - osteoarthritis - canine - model