Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) is one of the most common orthopaedic diseases in veterinary medicine. The anterior cruciate ligament plays a crucial role in the stability and biomechanics of the knee and its malfunction has a serious impact on the quality of life of patients. In dogs, structural weakening of this joint occurs due to progressive degeneration of the ligament. In humans, this injury is often caused by trauma and usually occurs during sporting activities. Rupture of the CrCL can be treated conservatively or surgically, and the decision to treat depends on many factors: the age of the patient, the degree of instability of the knee and the cost.
Physiotherapy protocols play an important role in rehabilitation, and the goals are similar in humans and dogs: pain management, physiological range of motion of the joint, strengthening of the periarticular and "core" muscles, and correction of proprioceptive deficits. Physiotherapy, although often neglected in veterinary medicine, is appropriate and important for restoring proper function to the injured limb and for returning to normal daily and working life.
Spinella, G.; Arcamone, G.; Valentini, S. Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs: Review on Biomechanics, Etiopathogenetic Factors and Rehabilitation. Vet. Sci. 2021, 8(9), 186. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8090186