Extracapsular Repair 

The knee joint is opened and inspected. The torn or partly torn cruciate ligament is removed. If the meniscus is torn, the damaged portion is removed. A large, strong suture is passed around the fabella behind the knee and through a hole drilled in the front of the tibia. This tightens the joint to prevent the drawer motion, effectively taking over the job of the cruciate ligament.

• Typically, the dog may carry the leg up for a good 2 weeks after surgery but will increase knee use over the next 2 months, eventually returning to normal.  
• Typically, the dog will require 8 weeks of exercise restriction after surgery (no running, only outside on a leash, including the backyard).  
• The suture placed may break 2 to 12 months after surgery and the dog’s own healed tissue will hold the knee.  
• This surgery is typically indicated for smaller dogs, less active dogs, or older patients. This surgery is not as popular as in previous years due to the amount of scar tissue that forms in the knee post-operatively.
• Typical Total Cost is $2,200-$2,600. This includes all hospitalization & routine post op care (8 week duration), x-rays & post-op laser therapy. 
• The above fee can increase based on individual patient needs