What Is CCL Reconstruction in Dogs?
CCL reconstruction is surgery to repair or replace a torn cranial cruciate ligament in a dog’s knee (stifle) joint. The CCL is what keeps the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) stable when your dog walks, runs, or jumps.
When it tears, the tibia slips forward abnormally with each step (called cranial drawer movement or tibial thrust), causing:
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Limping or lameness (especially after rest)
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Swelling and pain in the knee
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Trouble standing up or climbing stairs
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Eventually, arthritis if untreated
What Is the SwiveLock Anchor System?
The SwiveLock system (made by Arthrex) is a knotless suture anchor used to secure soft tissue to bone — such as ligament grafts, synthetic fibers, or tendon repairs — without the need to tie knots.
In CCL surgery, it’s part of an “internal brace” technique, where a strong fiber tape is anchored into bone using SwiveLock anchors to stabilize the stifle joint.
How It’s Used in Dogs (CCL Reconstruction)
Here’s the general process:
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Bone tunnels drilled:
Small tunnels are made through the femur and tibia at the anatomic CCL attachment points. -
FiberTape (synthetic ligament) placement:
A strong, flat, woven tape (like Arthrex’s FiberTape) is passed through these tunnels to act as an artificial ligament. -
Anchor fixation with SwiveLock:
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The ends of the FiberTape are secured into the bone tunnels using SwiveLock anchors.
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The anchors expand within the bone, locking the tape in place — no knots required.
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This creates a very strong and low-profile fixation.
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Joint stabilization:
The FiberTape acts as an “internal brace,” immediately stabilizing the joint.
Over time, the dog’s own scar tissue reinforces this stability as healing progresses.
Advantages of the SwiveLock Technique
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Stronger anchoring than traditional nylon suture techniques.
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No knot bulk, which reduces irritation and surgical time.
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Immediate stability, allowing earlier controlled movement.
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Minimally invasive (often done arthroscopically or through small incisions).
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