Understanding Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs and Surgical Treatment Options

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) rupture

Often compared to the ACL in humans—is the leading cause of hind limb lameness in dogs. This injury can significantly impact your dog’s comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life.

The knee joint (also known as the stifle) relies on several ligaments for stability, but the CCL plays the most critical role. Its main job is to prevent abnormal movement between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone), specifically limiting the forward sliding motion known as “cranial drawer.”

When this ligament is partially torn or completely ruptured, the knee becomes unstable. This instability leads to inflammation, pain, and lameness - your dog may begin to limp, favour one leg, or have difficulty rising and walking.

If left untreated, joint instability can quickly progress to osteoarthritis, a painful and irreversible condition caused by cartilage breakdown and chronic inflammation. Stabilising the joint through surgery is the best way to slow this degenerative process and return your dog to a more active, comfortable life.

TPLO: Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy

The TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) is one of the most effective and widely performed surgical treatments for CCL rupture in dogs.

In this procedure, a curved cut is made in the top part of the tibia. The bone segment is then rotated to reduce the natural slope of the tibial plateau. This adjustment alters the biomechanics of the knee and eliminates the need for the damaged ligament. A metal plate and screws are used to stabilise the bone while it heals.

TPLO surgery provides excellent long-term results by restoring stability to the knee, significantly reducing pain, and slowing the progression of arthritis. Most dogs regain near-normal function and enjoy a return to their regular activities.

MMP: Modified Maquet Procedure (Alternative to TPLO)

The Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP) is another surgical option for treating CCL ruptures, using a different approach to achieve the same goal: stabilising the stifle joint.

Rather than rotating the tibial plateau, MMP involves making a small vertical cut in the tibia and inserting a titanium foam wedge. This changes the angle of the knee and neutralises the forces that would otherwise cause instability. The implant promotes rapid bone growth, and over time, the wedge becomes fully integrated into the bone.

MMP is typically a less invasive procedure than TPLO, often resulting in shorter surgical times and faster initial recovery. It can be a suitable option for many dogs, depending on their size, age, activity level, and overall health.

What About Lateral Ties?

Lateral suture stabilisation (also known as lateral ties or extracapsular repair) is an older surgical technique that uses strong nylon sutures to stabilise the knee from the outside. While it’s not as advanced as TPLO or MMP, it can still be a suitable option for small to medium-sized dogs or those with lower activity levels. We will help determine if this is the right approach for your pet.

Which Procedure is Right for Your Dog?

TPLO’s, MMP’s and Lateral Ties are proven surgical options that can successfully restore mobility and quality of life in dogs with cruciate ligament injuries. We will assess your dog’s individual needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on breed, size, activity level, and any underlying conditions.

If your dog is showing signs of lameness or pain in a hind leg, don’t wait. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Contact us to book a consultation and discuss the best path forward for your furry companion.