Understanding CCL Injuries

Healthy knees are essential for pets to move, play, and stay active. Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury is one of the most common causes of knee pain and can lead to instability, especially in dogs. Understanding this condition, its signs, and the treatment options available can help you support your pet’s recovery and long‑term mobility.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury

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What It Is

The CCL is one of the key stabilizers inside the knee—the equivalent of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in people. When the CCL tears, the knee becomes unstable and painful. Proper treatment can help restore your pet’s comfort and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

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More than half of dogs that tear their CCL also injure the meniscus, a piece of cushioning cartilage that sits between the thigh bone and the shinbone.

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While CCL tears are very common in dogs, this type of ligament injury can also affect cats and many other species.

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Symptoms

  • Limping or holding a back leg up
  • Stiffness after exercise or play
  • Stiffness in the morning or after getting up from lying down
  • Swelling or tenderness around the knee
  • Clicking sounds when walking can be a sign of a torn meniscus

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Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will examine your pet and assess how the knee moves. X‑rays are then taken to look for changes caused by the injury and to help plan the most appropriate treatment or surgery.

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Treatment Options

Nonsurgical Options:

  • Rest and restricted activity
  • Anti‑inflammatory and pain-relief medications
  • Controlled exercise

Nonsurgical management will not stabilize the knee, but it can help ease discomfort and support your pet’s mobility.

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Surgical Options:

  • Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO): A procedure that changes the angle of the shinbone (tibia) to stabilize the knee joint by making a cut in the bone. The bone is held in place with a plate and screws while it heals.
  • InternalBrace™ Repair: Sometimes used with TPLO when additional stabilization is needed.
  • TightRope® Fixation: In some cases, TPLO is not the best choice for your pet. TightRope fixation provides another option, using strong, durable material to help stabilize the knee and support more comfortable movement.1,2
  • Meniscal treatment: No matter which surgery is used to stabilize the knee, your veterinarian will also check inside the joint to see if the meniscus is damaged and treat it if needed.
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This is not veterinary advice and Arthrex recommends that veterinarians be trained in the use of any particular product before using it in surgery. A veterinarian must always rely on their own professional clinical judgment when deciding whether to use a particular product. A veterinarian must always refer to the package insert, product label, and/or directions for use before using any Arthrex product. Products may not be available in all markets because product availability is subject to the regulatory or veterinary practices in individual markets. Postoperative management is patient-specific and dependent on the treating professional's assessment. Individual results will vary and not all patients will experience the same postoperative activity level or outcomes. Please contact your Arthrex representative if you have questions about availability of products in your area.