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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.

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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
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tightrope Surgery
12 month No Interest Payment Plan Available
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Cruciate Surgery FYI

NOT ALL CRUCIATE SURGERIES ARE THE SAME.... MUST SEE
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