STIFINTRA ARTICULAR CCL RECONSTRUCTION

• STIF CCL ligaments are different for Right or Left joint to respect physiological torsion .

Recommended Ligaments and Screws• 25 -30 kgs : 30 fibres with free intra articular fibres of 15- 17-19 mm -

drill bit diam 3.6 mm - 5X20 screws• 30-35 kgs : 44 fibres - free fibers 22mm • Drill bit diam. 4.2 mm - 6X20 screws• Above 35kgs 60 fibres - free fibres 28mm• Drill bit 5mm 6X25 mm screws• The size of the ligament depends also of the size of the notch and the

bones . The strongest that can be used is recommended .

THE FREE INTRA ARTICULAR FIBERS

CCL 30-17 R30 fibers17mm intra articularRight

2 K wires 2mmX20cmDouble ended shqrp

Drill bits5mm -4.2mm- 3.6mm

6x wire loops

2 blunt K wires

Male screwdriver

Female screwdriver

2 hexagonal K wires

Telescopic tubesFor soft tissue protection

Passing tube 20 cm

CCL FEMORAL INSERTION

60%40%

ENTRANCE POINT EXIT POINT

STEP 1 : femoral guide K wire

A medial parapatellar arthrotomy approach offers a better view

STEP 2:the guide K wire is drilled down into the tibia

STEP 2 : the K wire is inserted downwards into the tibia from the femoral side.The flexion is ajusted to allow the penetration of the Kwire at the posterior part of the tibial CCL foot print

STEP 2b is :another option for the tibial K wire

If the orientation of the Kwire in the femur does not allow a proper direct placement in the tibia or leads to a friction of the ligament against the notch , the Kwire can be drilled separately with the joint in hyper flexion The Kwire is placed into the foot print and drilled down towards the medial tibial cortex

STEP 3 : drilling of the tunnels

The telescopic tubes are inserted on the K wire to protect the soft tissues; The cannulated drill bit adapted to the size of the ligament is guided by the K wire . The drillings are performed from outside-in to avoid damages to remnants and cartilage

Protection tube

Hold the Kwire during the tibial drilling

STEP 4 :passage of the ligament

The Wire passing tube is placed through the tunnels followed by the wire loop . The passing tube is removedThe threads of the ligament are inserted through the loop and the ligament is pulled until the free fibres are adjusted intra articularly

STEP 5 : femoral fixation

1or 2 cm of the hexagonal K wire are inserted into the tunnel parallel to the ligament. Then the appropriate screw is driven down and inserted with the female screw-driver until 1 mm remains outside the cortex . The telescopic tubes can be used if needed .

Hexagonal K wire

Cannulated screw

STEP 6 : adjustment of tension and tibial fixation

The ligament is tensioned once and then the joint is put in full flexion and extension. If the placement is isometric there should not be any movement in the tibial tunnel . A small sliding of 1or 2 mm is admissible and the tibial fixation must be completed to allow a full range of motion . The ligament must never be over tightThe insertion of the screw is made like on the femoral side with the help of the hexagonal K wire ; The male screw driver is used to adjust the insertion when the K wire has been removed

Note about fixation

The screws have to be tight in the bony tunnels. If there is a doubt about the strength of the fixation ( bone density –heavy and active dog ) it is recommended to drill a second transverse tunnel . Insert the extremity of the ligament in it and put a second screw

POST OPERATIVE CARE

• No immobilisation or brace are necessary• Full weight bearing• Control the activity of the dog for one month