The ZLig method has been used in humans for 25 years. Instead of the torn cruciate ligament, the patient's own or artificial material (tendons, parts of the patellar ligament, fascia) is used as a ligament replacement.
This method was not tested on dogs for a long time. Due to the insufficiently controllable stress on the knee joints in dogs after the operation, the ligament replacement ruptured again in many cases.
With Zlig, after a long period of preparation by Dr. Jacques Phillipe Laboureau, a synthetic ligament for intra-articular cruciate ligament replacement offers a new alternative in small animals.
Using a tunnel technique, the Zlig ligament is implanted as a total cruciate ligament replacement. The braided extra-articular portions of the ligaments are anchored in the femoral and tibial bone tunnels with cannulated titanium interference screws.
With the development of new materials in medical technology, it is now possible to perform a surgical method on dogs/cats that is considered state of the art in humans, as it better replicates the natural anatomy of the animal and, unlike TPLO/TTA, does not cause any stressful changes to the bones.
Surgical method
We have shared our experience from over 200 Zlig operations in an article on Just4vets, among other places. This article also describes the procedure and success rate in detail. Unlike the TPLO or TTA realignment techniques, this method does not require cutting, repositioning, or wedge fixation of bones. This can offer advantages in terms of faster weight-bearing and subsequent recovery. Physiotherapy mean.
Advantages of ZLig
✓ This technique does not cause irreversible damage.
✓ Can also be used for very heavy dogs >70kg.
✓ Replication of natural anatomy without serious interventions in the bone structure.
✓ The patient's hind leg can be put under weight again very soon (!) after the operation without risks (however, we recommend keeping them on a leash for the first few weeks)
✓ Lower costs than with TPLO or TTA when considering the total effort including aftercare and physiotherapy.
✓ In suitable young animals that have suffered a traumatic cruciate ligament rupture (e.g., due to an accident) and that are not predisposed to cruciate ligament ruptures, this method does not preclude the later use of TPLO or TTA – however, these are one-time and final, and in the worst case scenario, recurring problems mean amputation.
✓ In older animals and in cases of bilateral ligament tears, both ligament tears can be treated in one operation using the Petlig Method® developed by us (single anesthetic risk; parallel operation of both knees by two surgeons = shortened operating time, etc.) and the animal is quickly (here: example of a 14-year-old dog two days after the operation) able to move again and has a better quality of life.
Disadvantages of ZLig
X higher costs than with capsular plasty after Meutstege or the lateral thread pull.
X not suitable for dogs with a steep Tibeta plateau such as Old English Bulldogs, Dobermans, etc.