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| A few of the processes involved in the Tightrope CCL technique, performed on a human patient Photos: Anthrex Vet Systems |
A veterinarian at the University of Missouri, US, has developed a treatment for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) deficiency in dogs based on a treatment for a comparable ankle condition in humans. The new method is minimally invasive with less severe complications than current treatments.
"Other current techniques require major surgery that involve cutting the bone, which can potentially lead to severe complications, such as fracture, implant failure and damage to the joint," said Dr James Cook, a professor of veterinary medicine and surgery.
"This new technique is minimally invasive, relatively easy to perform and cost-effective compared to other techniques. The dogs in the preliminary trial study experienced fewer and less severe complications with outcomes that were equal to or better than those seen with the bone-cutting technique."
The new treatment, called Tightrope CCL, involves placing a device that stabilizes the CCL-deficient knee through bone tunnels drilled using very small incisions.
However, the technique is not suitable for all dogs. The dog must weigh at least 40 pounds (18kg) because surgeons must be able to drill tunnels into the bone. Dogs that cannot follow a physical rehabilitation regime after surgery and those with limb deformities are also unsuitable for treatment.
A 10 to 12-week rehabilitation period is very important for any surgical technique for CCL deficiency, says Dr Cook.
"A successful operation is dependent on postoperative care so that the dog can heal well and build muscle for long term function. The Tightrope CCL technique is designed to allow this to happen with less surgery and less risk of a major problem arising, and so far, it has been successful," he said.
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