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Tightrope CCL Procedure
The Tightrope CCL repair surgery is the newest surgical option available for dogs with cranial cruciate ligament injury. Unlike in humans, canine CCL tears and damage generally takes place over a period of months or years, rather than being associated with a single traumatic event. Because of the nature of these injuries, and their degenerative process over time, this new procedure focuses on a technique used in human ankle joints using bone to bone fixation in a minimally invasive way.
Tightrope CCL is an extracapsular technique using the lateral suture stabilization (LSS) procedure in conjunction with a material called FiberTape to provide bone to bone stabilization. The Fiber Tape is placed in the dog’s knee through a few small incisions which create tunnels through the bone. Once the implant is anchored to the bone it is able to control cranial tibial thrust, and provide correction for the canine drawer sign, all while allowing internal rotation of the knee joint and normal range of motion. Similar to traditional extracapsular repairs using monofilament sutures (similar to a leader line or fishing line), the Fiber Tape used in TR repair will degrade over time and is not meant to provide permanent stablization to the knee joint. Bascially, the Fiber Tape is there to hold the joint in place while the knee forms scar tissue around the knee to permanently stablize the joint.
The cases of failure in the study were related to incidences of not properly following guidelines related to physical therapy in the post operative period. A recovery period of 10-12 weeks is recommended for all dogs recovering from CCL repair surgery, and this is the same guideline used for the Tightrope surgery.
Right now this surgery is still in the clinical phases, but with such encouraging preliminary results, I expect to see much more on this procedure in the very near future.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Where can I find a Vet that is doing TightRope CCL? I live near Raleigh, NC. Or a vet that is doing LSS. I trying to find an something other than TPLO for my Dog.
Thanks,
October 21st, 2008 at 11:20 am
I am also interested in finding a vet that does the tightrope. My dog needs cruciate ligament repair and plan to go with a TTA procedure but this sounds much less invasive. I live in Norhtern New Jersey and will travel anywhere in NJ, NY, or PA. I also would like the name of a vet in my area.
October 24th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
ANy vets in the Southwest (Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas?) who perform this TightRope CCL procedure??
October 25th, 2008 at 10:53 am
There are vets all over who do this. I am going to University of Florida to see if my dog qualifies for this procedure. Vet Colleges are doing them. Also, I called the company who supplies the materials for this procedure. They cannot give you a list of people who perform the procedure BUT they can give you a list of people in your area who buy the material. The people who buy the material ARE the people who perform the surgery.
November 11th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Has anyone had any experiance with the Tight Rope CCL procedure and what were the outcomes. How can I find a vet that will preform this procedure?
November 29th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
My dog has torn both cruciate ligaments and my vet recommended TPLO surgery. After researching about the TPLO procedure, I discovered the Tightrope CCL techinique. I like that is much less invasive than the TPLO and TTA. There isn’t much info on the web, but here is what I have found thus far.
The Tightrope is made by Arthrex Vet Systems. You can call them and ask the operator who they supply the product to in your area. The lady I spoke to was very nice and willing to give you info. The number for Arthrex is (888) 215- 3740. They also have a great brocure about the product and the Tightrope CCl procedure at this site: http://www.arthrexvetsystems.com/en/products/index.cfm Also, I emailed the Vet that invented the procedure, Dr. James Cook, and he gladly responded with a large list of vets that performed the procedure in my area. He teaches at the University of Missouri. Look up the vet school website and look under the faculty profiles. Click on his name and his email will be listed.
After calling a few vets in my area that perform the procedure, I have learned that their experience with performing the procedure varies. This procedure is being taught to many vets, so depending on how long ago your vet was taught, experience in performing the procedure will range from a few to a few dozen. Hope this info helps.
January 7th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Rick, Dr. Matt Rooney in the Denver area (actually up in Longmont) does the Tightrope surgery. My dog is scheduled to have it in a couple of weeks. I was really pleased with Dr. Rooney and his whole staff and I’ve gotten tons of good referrals for him, so if you are interested, check him out. He’s at the Aspen Meadows Vet Specialists in Longmont CO>
January 8th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I live in the Atlanta, Georgia area, and I am also looking for someone who performs the tightrope CCL surgery!! Any help will be appreciated
Sandy
January 12th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I’m in Oklahoma, and I need a vet here who does this procedure. I have already e-mailed the company for info, but if anyone in the state has had this procedure done on their dog and has a vet they recommend, I would really appreciate a recommendation. Thanks!
January 17th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Just had tightrope done at DeerCreek Vets in Johnson City, Tx (near San Antonio) honestly it went so well the dog is feel too good!
January 25th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
My dog is 13 years old and has Cushings Disease.She is taking
Trilostane 90 mg/D.She is a hound overweight due to her
disease.She was diagnosed with Torn Ligament at one of her back legs and surgery suggested(TPLO)
I am looking for some informations regarding complications due to her condition and her medication.
I am not sure at her age and in her condition I should put her to such a traumatic experience.
January 29th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Is tightrope applicable to the ankle as well as the knee? What’s that called. Thanks from me and my beloved 1 year old Norwegian Elkhound.
February 8th, 2009 at 10:03 am
I have a 5 year old lab, who has a partial tear in his r/knee. TPLO has been suggested. I am looking at the Tightrope, and have a consult on Feb. 18 w/the surgeon that is suggesting the TPLO. There are pros and cons, I think to both, as I am continuing investigating. Also, Cook is a paid consultant for Arthrex, and I do not know if that should be a concern or not.
My dog had his left knee done, before he was a year old, when he was w/his breeder.
The whole issue seems to be confusing, and which way is the right way??
March 8th, 2009 at 10:25 am
my 110 lbs malamute had TPLO done over about 2 years ago and now i think he needs it done on the other leg. does the tight rope procedure work on large dogs?how will it effect the other leg while he is healing
March 11th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I have a 80lb Chessie (1 year old) who torn both CCL’s. We had the Right repaired with the Tightrope Procedue 6 weeks ago. We will have his Left repaired in early summer. Let me just say that the recovery from the Tightrope procedure is long. 1 week post op, He could bear some weight on his leg. At 6 weeks, he still does not bear all of his weight on his leg. He is still on activity restriction, and minimal leash walking. He takes anti-inflammatorys daily, and high doses of Glucosamine and Condroitin. I also think he is depressed as he wants to do more than we will allow. His appetite has decreased and he is down 10 lbs. (went from 80 to 70lbs)
I am a little dissappointed, as I guess I was expecting more than I should.
If you email Dr. Cook, he will send you a list of the vet’s in your area that perform the surgery.
For those wondering about cost, it was approximately $2500.00 including pre-op and post -op xrays and blood work. Hope this inforation was helpful!
March 14th, 2009 at 7:23 am
My 8 yr old Lab Oliver is now 5 weeks out from Tightrope surgery and walking absolutely normally. He walked out of surgery and has consistently increased weight-bearing on that leg. We’ve adhered to the rehab guidelines quite closely — not an easy feat with an active dog — including PT/swim therapy, which is extremely worthwhile.
I was told that it isn’t unusual for a dog to look like s/he’s responding faster when they’ve had TPLO because the tightness of the Tightrope makes them a little hesitant. In the long run, however, results are similar within just a few months.
Our doc is Matt Rooney, Longmont CO, with a lot of assistance from his wonderful intern, Jeremy Trausdale.
March 16th, 2009 at 3:19 am
Dr. Garrett at the Animal Hospital of Fayetteville, NC does the tightrope surgery. Our 3 year old boxer had it done a few weeks ago and is now starting to put weight on her leg and walk again.
Had her stitches taken out a few days ago. The knee looks fine, with no bruising now.
March 27th, 2009 at 8:22 am
i live in fountain valley, ca 92708 i need a vet in my area that does the tightrope for my 6 year old lab.her knee is bad and i need to get surgery soon. please advise thank you lynn baker
March 27th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
i live in fountain valley, ca 92708 i need a vet in my area that does the tightrope for my 6 year old lab.her knee is bad and i need to get surgery soon. please advise thank you lynn baker
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March 28th, 2009 at 11:53 am
does anyone have the list of doctors and locations that the tightrope ccl if so email to perdue9165@bellsouth.net thanks
April 30th, 2009 at 9:30 am
does anyone have the list of doctors and locations that the tightrope ccl is available in the northeatern us area. if so email them to bencinich@aol.com. my 11 year old 65 lb female chow has had a partially torn crucial ligament for 6 years (specialist claimed but my regular vet put her through on obstacle course and said no). but now she extends leg/can’t get in the car and walks to one side. she hyperventalates at the vet and i’m looking for the least invasive procedure since chows have problems w/anesthesia.
May 8th, 2009 at 5:39 am
If you’re looking for a surgeon in southern California to do the Tightrope CCL surgery check out Dr. Kelly Blackwood at Crossroads Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Norwalk. She’s their daytime surgeon and has been there about 14 years. Their web address is http://www.CrossroadsAnimal911.com
June 13th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
You can email Dr. James Cook and he will email you back with surgeons in your area. I emailed him and responded the very next day. I now have a consultation with a vet on June 26th…. Wish me luck!