What is the lateral suture procedure for stabilization and “treatment” of an ACL tear in the dog?
A. The lateral suture procedure involves using suture material to replace the torn ligament in a different position that where it normally is. Although it mimics the function of the original ligament, it does not have the same biomechanical properties as the ligament, thus the knee is not capable of performing like it originally did. Some of the normal range of motion is lost. Eventually, this temporary ligament will also eventually break. The theory is that your dog will build up scar tissue around the temporary ligament in the knee to act as a long term stabilizer. This scar tissue will result in decreased range of motion of your pet’s knee long term.
