Zlig – the history
The tear of the anterior cruciate ligament is still one of the most common orthopaedic diseases in dogs. The path of the many surgical methods developed for this led via intracapsular and extracapsular techniques to modern corrective osteotomies that alter the geometry of the affected knee joint. With the development of new materials in medical technology, it is now possible to replace the anterior cruciate ligament in an anatomically correct manner, instead of changing the forces acting on the joint. After a long period of preparatory work by the French Dr Jacques-Phillipe Laboureau, a suitable synthetic ligament is now available for the intra-articular cruciate ligament replacement in small animals. Together with the instrumentation developed by EICKEMEYER®, this new technique for cruciate ligament replacement can now be performed.
Zlig – the implant
The Zlig consists of ultra-high-molecular polyethylene with the special feature that the woven structure of the implant is interrupted intra-articularly be “free fibres”. Free parallel fibres reduce fatigue and also encourage the ingrowth of fibroblasts and collagen. Each implant is delivered in a sterile packed sleeve, making it easier to handle the implant before it is inserted into the joint. A selection of sizes with different resistances and fibre lengths are available to fit different patient sizes.
Zlig – the technology
In this technique, an artifi cial ligament is used as a total replacement for the anterior cruciate ligament using tunnel-tunnel-technique. The ligament is fixed in the tibia and Os femoris using specially developed cannulated interference screws in drill channels. The screws are guided parallel to the ligament using a guiding wire to avoid deviations. The technology does not cause irreversible damage and the results are reproducible thanks to a quick learning curve. Another great advantage of the technique is the fact that patients can put weight on the hind leg immediately after the operation without any risks.
- 32 fibres / 17 mm
- 12-25 kg
- 4,000 N
- Material: polyethylene (UHMW PE)
- Individually sterile packed