Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair

The cranial cruciate ligament is a tough, fibrous band of tissue in the knee connecting the femur to the tibia. This ligament is the same as the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, in people. This ligament can rupture suddenly with traumatic movements or more gradually. Surgery is the only definite treatment for a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament. At Rockledge Animal Clinic, we perform a version of the repair considered extracapsular repair. This repair involves evaluating within the joint itself and using a large, strong suture to recreate the ruptured cruciate ligament. However, for many dogs referral to a veterinary surgeon for a more advanced procedure may be recommended for best chance of successful outcome.