The Zlig (formerly: VetLig) / Petlig method

Zlig (formerly: VetLig) - an intracapsular ligament substitute

This method has been used on humans for 25 years. The body's own or artificial material (tendons, parts of the patellar ligament, fascia) is used as a ligament replacement instead of the torn cruciate ligament.

This method had not proved itself with the dog for a long time. Due to the insufficiently controllable strain on the knee joints after surgery in dogs, the ligament replacement tore again in many cases.

With Zlig, a synthetic ligament for intra-articular cruciate ligament replacement in small animals is now available after long preliminary work by Dr. Jacques.Pillipe Laboureau.

A tunnel technique is used to insert the Zlig as a total replacement for the cruciate ligament. The braided extra-articular parts of the ligaments are anchored in femoral and tibial bone tunnels by canulated titanium interference screws. 

With the development new materials in medical technology, it is now possible to perform a surgical method on dogs / cats that is considered state of the art for humans, as it best reproduces the natural anatomy of the animal and, in contrast to TPLO / TTA, does not involve any stressful changes to the bones.

With Zlig, a synthetic ligament for intra-articular cruciate ligament replacement in small animals is now available after long preliminary work by Dr. Jacques.Pillipe Laboureau.

A tunnel technique is used to insert the Zlig as a total replacement for the cruciate ligament. The braided extra-articular parts of the ligaments are anchored in femoral and tibial bone tunnels by canulated titanium interference screws.

This technique does not cause irreversible damage.

Advantages:
✓ Can also be used for very heavy dogs >70kg
✓ Reproduction of the natural anatomy without serious intervention in the bone structure
✓ the patient's hind leg can be loaded again very soon (!) after the operation without any risks (nevertheless, we recommend resting on a leash for the first few weeks)
✓ Lower costs than with TPLO or TTA, if you look at the total effort incl. aftercare and physiotherapy
✓ especially with young animals This method does not prevent the later use of Zlig or TPLO / TTA - the latter, on the other hand, are one-time and final and, in the worst case, mean amputation if there are new problems.
✓ at old animals and bilateral ligament ruptures can be treated in one operation using the Petlig method ® (only one anaesthetic risk; parallal surgery of both knees by two surgeons = shortened surgery time etc.) treat both torn ligaments and the animal is ready in time (here: Example of a 14 year old dog two days after surgery) is resilient again and has a better quality of life again

Disadvantage:
X higher costs than with capsular fascia lifting according to Meutstege or lateral thread tightening

FAQs about the Zlig (formerly: VetLig) method

Is Zlig (formerly: VetLig) a new method of cruciate ligament surgery in dogs/cats?

Yes and no. The basic method has been used in humans for about 25 years. In France, this method for animals has also existed for more than ten years - see studies below. It is therefore newer than TPLO / TTA in the veterinary field, but mature enough to have correspondingly good empirical values over a longer period. Often there is still outdated information that artificial cruciate ligament replacement does not work in animals. This is definitely not the case (see studies below and our own experience from over 150 surgeries contradict this statement - see our article at Dog Laps).

How often is this variant generally used in your company?

We now operate several times a week using this method. The operations are performed by a permanent, experienced surgical team under the leadership of Medical Director Susanne Arndt. Our small animal centre is now one of the leading small animal practices in southern Germany for the Zlig method with over 150 operations.

Does this variant also make sense with active dogs or is he allowed to run and play as cluelessly as before after the closed season?

The VetLig could even be used for cats, where enormous forces are applied in the hind limbs. The ligament we use in a dog has a tensile strength of up to 9000 Newton, the human anterior cruciate ligament can withstand up to 2500 Newton until it tears. This means that after complete convalescence, unrestricted loading is possible.

What complications could arise? Is the replacement strap made for a dog's life?

Rupture of the replacement ligament is relatively unlikely, its architecture is designed to withstand the friction and shear forces for life. However, if there is a problem with an implant or the screws, it would even be possible to use the same technique again or any other methodology.

Our study of 67 Zlig OPs compared with TPLO, TTA & TTA Rapid

Simply click on the image to download the full article or view it online in the flipbook below:

Functionality of the Zlig method

Results of the cruciate ligament replacement method according to Zlig (formerly: VetLig) from our practice

Request

You can use the following form to submit a qualified, non-binding request for cruciate ligament surgery. Ms. Arndt will then contact you promptly by telephone for further consultation - please also let us know your preferred call-back times:

Further studies on the Zlig (formerly: Vetlig) method

An extensive clinical study between 2012 and 2021 (here) shows good to excellent results in 98% of cases and thus also represents for us currently the most modern and gentle treatment method for severe animals.

VetLig Thèse-Geoffrey-PAGES 15 cases 2013

Vet-Surg-2015-Morton

Post-op - physical therapy and other support notes:

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Alternatives to TPLO and TTA Causes of cruciate ligament injuries in dogs and how to avoid them Treatment of cruciate ligament tears in dogs What are the costs of a cruciate ligament rupture dog? Treat cruciate ligament rupture in dog without surgery Cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) due to pathogens?