Prospective Evaluation of the Leipzig Stifle Distractor.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Leipzig Stifle Distractor (LSD) for arthroscopic evaluation of the medial meniscus. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical multi-center study. ANIMALS: 64 stifles of 64 dogs (mean body weight 35 kg) with suspected cranial cruciate ligament rupture. METHODS: The LSD was used to distract the medial compartment and to evaluate the medial meniscus. The degree of exposure of the caudal pole of the medial meniscus (CMM) and ease of diagnosis was quantified after either distraction with the LSD or manipulation of the stifle with valgus stress and external rotation. Time for pin placement, level of difficulty and associated complications with LSD application were recorded. Medial collateral ligament integrity was tested by stress radiographs. RESULTS: The mean time for applying the LSD was 1.4 minutes (range 0.5-3.0). Application was considered easy in 90% and moderate in 10% of joints, with no complications recorded. LSD application increased exposure (P < .001) and facilitated probing of the CMM (P < .001), allowing for the diagnosis of 10 meniscal tears missed without the LSD. The use of LSD increased the likelihood of diagnosing a meniscal tear by 1.9 times. Based on the stress radiographs, medial collateral ligament integrity was maintained in all tested stifles. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of medial meniscal tears was improved using LSD. The LSD provided a safe and effective method for improved visualization and access to the caudal portion of the medial meniscus, which may allow for better arthroscopic assessment of meniscal pathology in dogs.