Cranial Cruciate Tear - Canine

Cranial Cruciate Tear is a common injury in the dog. In the veterinary world however, it is sometimes referred to as a "syndrome". There are several predisposing factors leading to a cruciate (ACL) tear...tibial slope, obesity, inflammation and the physics of the cranial tibial thrust that finally results in a tear. There have been many types of surgical repair methods attempted (and in development) over the last several years. There is still some controversy with impressions of success and recovery times, even with the newest methods such as TPLO, TTA, and Lateral Suture Technique. The most common technique in general practice is the Lateral Suture Technique. All surgical techniques have potential complications, some more severe than others.

The meniscus tear can also be a problem that occurs at the same time or after the ACL tear has occurred. As the stifle joint moves out of position the meniscus (two "C" shaped cushions attached to the tibia inside the joint) become pinched and shearing forces can tear the edges. This tearing and "pinching" of the meniscus can cause inflammation and pain. If a tear is present at the time of surgery, it should be trimmed away. It is not advised to suture these tears to attempt to repair the tissue because they lack blood supply and do not heal well. Occasionally, a judgement call is made to perform a meniscal release where the meniscus on the medial caudal side (the back inside meniscus) is "released" by making an incision to allow it to move a little so that it will not tear later with regular use of the knee. Sometimes if a steady recovery suddenly becomes painful later, a new tear may have occurred resulting in a second surgery to remove the new tear.

Unfortunately, sometimes up to 50% of the dogs that suffer a tear in one stifle will have the other one tear within up to 1 year after the first surgery. Thus, requiring surgery to be performed on the other stifle.