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When researching the many approaches to ACL/CCL repair, the choices can be
confusing and ever changing. We have been providing the Tightrope procedure to our patients since the product was introduced in 2010
and the results are most gratifying. Clients are pleased with the rapid recovery, simplicity of aftercare, minimal complications,
quality long term impact and value.
We invite you to call or email for a no obligation telephone review
1-586-264-4643: 9am - 5pm
: Mon-Fri
Email: contact @warrenanimalclinic.com
Canine TightRope CCL / ACL Surgery
Repair of Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament (ACL) via Tightrope Ligament Replacement
by Richard Lanier DVM and Dana Sweeton
DVM....... Warren Animal Clinic
Just as in the human knee, the most critical stabilizing structure in the canine knee is the cranial
cruciate ligament (CCL). The primary function of the CCL is to prevent forward thrusting motion and inward rotation of the tibia during
weight bearing and to prevent hyper-extension of the knee.
When the CCL is ruptured or partially torn, the abnormal, forward thrusting
motion and inward rotation of the tibia during weight bearing results in an unstable, painful knee and ultimately, in debilitating,
degenerative arthritic changes in the knee joint.
The newest procedure for repairing a ruptured CCL by ligament replacement
is the TightRope Ligament technique. This procedure has been developed by James L. Cook, DVM, PhD, Diplomat of the College of Veterinary
Surgeons. This procedure has been proven in over 200 knees and has been shown to be highly effective.
The TightRope CCL technique
is minimally invasive, and more cost effective in comparison to the TPLO or TTA. The data suggest that TightRope can be successfully
performed in medium, large and giant breed dogs resulting in outcomes which are comparable or better than TPLO or TTA. A MiniTightRope
is also available for toy and small breeds.
The TightRope CCL counteracts the forward tibial thrust and inward rotation resulting
from CCL damage, while providing optimal joint range of motion. This procedure mimics the natural cruciate ligament functions, perhaps
better than any other procedure developed to date. The TightRope Ligament is produced by Arthrex Vet Systems. It is an ultra-high
strength, flat, smooth, braided, ribbon-like ligament composed of a multi-stranded long chain ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene
(UHMWPE) core with a braided jacket of polyester giving it unsurpassed strength, virtually eliminating ligament breakage. The ligament
provides an ultimate load of 225 lbs, approximately three times the strength of 80# nylon ligaments currently in use for CCL replacement.
This procedure provides our clients another option when a less invasive, less radical and somewhat more cost effective procedure that
does not cut bone is desired by the pet owner.
The illustration (rt above) shows the canine knee from a front view with the
knee cap removed in order to illustrate the femoral tunnel with more clarity. A tunnel is drilled in the femur beginning at a very
precise anatomical point on the inside of the bone, at an upward angle, exiting on the inside surface of the shaft of the femur. A
second tunnel is drilled in the tibia beginning at a very precise anatomical point on the inside of the tibial crest in a downward
direction, exiting on the inside surface of the shaft of the tibia.The TightRope Ligament is passed from inside to outside through
the femoral tunnel, then from outside to inside through the tibial tunnel. The stainless steel tibial toggle button is then turned
90 degrees to the ligament, placed against the surface of the tibia, and the TightRope Ligament is pulled taut through the tibial
tunnel. The TightRope Ligament is then pulled taut through the femoral tunnel eliminating all “slack” in the ligament. The stainless
steel femoral button is then slid down the ligament until it is snug against the surface of the femur, the ligament pulled tight and
anchored in this position by tying it down against the femoral button. The ligament is now in place, very secure and mimics very closely
the function of the natural cranial cruciate ligament.
The illustration below shows the canine knee from the outside surface
with the TightRope Ligament in place. Note that the TightRope Ligament is placed under the long digital extensor tendon, allowing
it to function normally and to prevent any damage to the tendon.
TightRope is a registered product of Arthrex Vet Systems
Warren Animal Clinic PC
31980 Van Dyke, Warren, MI 48093 586.264-4621 contact@warrenanimalclinic.com
www.warrenanimalclinic.com
Richard L. Lanier, DVM
Dana Sweeton, DVM
Carol Hill, LVT
Kelly Bernert, LVT
Carlene Hale, LVT