Rupture can occur from a traumatic incident such as being hit by a car or caused by degeneration and eventual breaking of the ligament that occurs with time.  

A knee without a cruciate ligament is unstable and sore. This condition eventually leads to severe, even crippling, arthritis of the knee joint.

There are many options available when faced with repairing the cruciate ligament in your furry friend. Regardless of surgery chosen, it is always essential to open the knee joint to examine and trim off any tears in the meniscus.  At this time, any bone fragments or floating cruciate ligament will also be removed.

For smaller dogs, repair of the cruciate ligament via a prosthetic suture placed on the outside of the joint is appropriate, as it simulates the same general function of the ruptured cruciate ligament.  

For larger dogs, a more weight appropriate method is recommended and involves cutting and re-plating the tibia to optimise the angle of the knee joint.

Keyhole or arthroscopic orthopedic surgery is a new technique for use in these patients. Through a minimally invasive surgery, the knee joint can be fully assessed and plan for future management made with insignificant recovery time.  

Regardless of the approach chosen to repair the problem, physiotherapy and or hydrotherapy is recommended post- operatively.

As with all orthopedic surgeries, arthritis will affect these joints earlier in the patient’s life. Together with your vet, however, an osteoarthritis management plan can be established to optimise the outcome.