Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Goals of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Defining Complications

This chapter provides the information on pathology, diagnosis, and treatment goals of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture and defining complications. CCL disease is considered to be the most common cause of pelvic limb lameness in the canine, affecting approximately 2.55% of the population. The most likely etiology for rupture of the CCL in mature dogs is progressive degeneration of the ligament. Kinematic analysis of the CCL-deficient stifle has shown that the joint remains in a more flexed position throughout the gait cycle. The diagnosis of CCL pathology is made based on signalment, history and clinical signs, orthopedic examination findings, and diagnostic imaging. Diagnostic imaging of the stifle in patients with CCL pathology is usually centered around radiographic evaluation. One method to quantify success and harm factors is a ratio between the number of patients needed to treat and number needed to harm.