Anterior Cruciate Rupture
(also known as Cranial Cruciate Rupture - CCR)
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common orthopedic problem in dogs.
- Canine ACL rupture almost always leads to progressive osteoarthritis and is almost always debilitating if left untreated.
- The underlying cause of ACL rupture is biomechanical stress caused by a downward sloping tibial plateau and its relationship to the patellar tendon. Stifle joint stability is achieved when the tibial plateau is perpendicular to the patellar tendon.
- The diagnosis of ACL rupture ranges from simple to complex.
- Palpation to identify instability is accurate in complete acute tears.
- Approximately 40% of all dogs have partial or chronic tears without obvious instability.
- Palpation, radiography and/or arthroscopy lead to an accurate diagnosis in nearly all cases.