26/02/2026
Recovery Has No Age Limit: Stifle Stabilization | A Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair via DeAngelis Technique in a Senior Dog
Perky, a 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, was presented to us with a non-weight-bearing grade 4 lameness of the left hind limb. After confirming a complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), surgical stabilization of the stifle was recommended due to the severity of her knee.
Our Senior Surgeon, Dr. John Dexter, along with Dr. Sheila Mae, performed the DeAngelis extracapsular stabilization technique. This involved placing a monofilament nylon suture around the lateral fabella and through a tunnel drilled in the proximal tibia to act as an artificial ligament, followed with lateral imbrication of the joint capsule to further enhance stability.
The DeAngelis technique is a common and effective method for small to medium-sized dogs under 15โ20 kg. It is typically not recommended for larger dogs, as the pressure can cause the suture to break. Most dogs (up to 90%) have successful outcome and return to normal activity levels.
Perkyโs prognosis is fair to good despite her age and the chronic nature of her joint disease. She is continuing her postoperative management and rehabilitation, and we are glad to share that she is steadily regaining her mobility.
Old age doesnโt have to mean an end to mobility. Thank you for always trusting us with the care, mobility, and recovery of your pets ๐ซก.