Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Parts 1 - 4 : Lecture series

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Part 1: Diagnostic Tips and Tricks

This lecture focuses on techniques for diagnosing cranial cruciate ligament disease (CrCLD) in the canine. The lecture includes a comprehensive discussion of the subtleties of gait observation, stifle palpation, instability tests and stifle radiography. Participants will learn how to position patients for stifle radiographs that will permit detection of CrCD as well as pertinent co-morbidities that can render ExCap Suture stabilization a failure. After attending this lecture, attendees will be better able to CrCLD and detect important co-morbidities that may influence the best treatment plan as well as the patient prognosis.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Part 2: Educating the Pet Owner and Case Selection

This lecture focuses on educating the pet owner about CrCLD treatment options and their anticipated outcomes and possible complications. Attendees will learn how to select patients who will likely benefit from ExCap Suture stabilization as well as detect those who are at risk of treatment failure. After attending this lecture, attendees will be better able to discuss with the pet owner the cause of CrCLD, surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and risk of complications. Attendees will also be able to judiciously select surgical cases based on breed, tibial plateau angle, patient demeanor, and client/patient compliance.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Part 3: Extracapsular Stifle Stabilization Technique

This lecture is designed for the veterinarian who wishes to learn/refine the lateral suture technique and to understand the major advantages of PowerX Crimping System. The ExCap Lateral Fabello-Tibial Suture technique will be taught in a step-by-step fashion. This lecture will discuss isometric points for suture placement, proper approach to the stifle, removal of the cruciate remnants, identification of the proper placement of the suture, and how to secure the ExCap suture using a precise crimping system. After attending this lecture, attendees will be prepared to practice the technique on cadavers during the recommended hands-on workshop.

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease Part 4: Meniscus and Postop Care

This lecture focuses on the pathogenesis and treatment of meniscus tears associated with CrCLD in the canine and postoperative patient care after extracapsular stifle stabilization surgery. This lecture includes a review of the meniscal anatomy, tips for surgical visualization of the meniscus, surgical treatment for meniscal tears, and medial meniscal release. This lecture also discusses the three phases of rehabilitation after extracapsular stifle stabilization surgery.