The Tightrope® CCL

The Tightrope® CCL technique was developed to provide a minimally invasive method of correcting the destabilized cranial cruciate ligament (or CCL). The Tightrope CCL technique utilizes a very strong suture material called FiberTape in combination with isometric placement of small bone tunnels to provide bone-to-bone fixation. The objective of TightRope CCL is to counteract cranial tibial thrust, drawer and internal rotation while providing optimal joint range of motion. The surgeon uses stainless steel toggle button, round suture button and ultra-high strength fiber tapesimilar to FiberWire suture. The weave allows for smooth atraumatic passing through the tissue and bone along with desirable lying characteristics. Testing has shown the FiberTape to have an ultimate load of 225 pounds. The Tightrope CCL technique is suitable for dogs over 40 pounds.

Illustrated above: the appearance of stifle after Tightrope CCL technique with craniocaudal, lateral and medial views.