Extracapsular Repairs are also referred to as “Traditional” surgery. It is also sometimes called Lateral Suture Stabilization or LSS.
The term Extracapsular Repair refers to any cruciate ligament (CCL) repair surgery that uses the structures around the joint to add strength and stability. There are a few different suture types available – and some of the Extracapsular Surgeries derive their name from the particular type of suture line used – as is the case with the TightRope procedure which uses FiberTape.
Basic Overview of How the Extracapsular Surgery is Performed
In Extracapsular or Lateral Suture Stabilization Surgery, a type of heavy suture material is used to hold the bones in place. This heavy suture prevents the knee from moving improperly, allowing scar tissue to build up around the joint – which later provides stability (the suture lines often break at some point in a dog’s life). The suture is not meant to act as a permanent ligament replacement within the knee, instead its purpose is to give the knee time to build up its own system for support through scar tissue.
http://dogkneeinjury.com/extracapsular-imbrication-surgery-traditional-repair-procedure/
The recovery time for an Extracapsular Repair is at least 8-12 weeks, if not longer. Many dogs will avoid using their post surgical leg for at least the first few days, up to two weeks following a Traditional Repair.
It is always advisable to err on the side of caution, and seriously restrict your dog’s activity for at least the first few months after surgery. Remember, in this type of surgery you are using the implanted suture to “buy time” for your dog and allow scar tissue to form naturally. Because this scar tissue will eventually be the primary support mechanism for the knee joint, you want to use extreme care to be sure your dog does not resume normal activity too quickly.
http://dogkneeinjury.com/tightrope-ccl-surgery-recovery/
http://dogkneeinjury.com/extracapsular-repair-postop-recovery-1/
Standard cost for Extracapsular Repairs begin at $1,300 and range up to about $3000.
The cost for Extracapsular Surgery is less than TPLO, TTA or other surgeries which involve manipulation of bone. The reason for this is simple – it takes much more time and skill to perform a surgery in which you are cutting and changing bone angles.
The cost of any CCL surgery is usually dependent on a few factors:
Size of Your Dog
Geographic Location
Type of Veterinary Facility
What is Included
Tightrope Specific - http://dogkneeinjury.com/tightrope-ccl-procedure/
Is My Dog a Candidate for TightRope Surgery? http://dogkneeinjury.com/is-my-dog-a-candidate-for-tightrope-surgery/
Postop Recovery - http://dogkneeinjury.com/extracapsular-repair-postop-recovery-1/
My Story About Tucker - http://dogkneeinjury.com/traditional-repair/ and a bunch of other links…
Design. SEO. Hosting.