CCL vs. ACL - What’s the Difference?





Have you ever heard of an athlete tearing their ACL? Or a canine requiring
CCL repair surgery? What do these terms mean? Can they be used
interchangeably? Let’s explore the meanings behind the terminology to
discover the difference between an ACL and CCL.

What is the ACL?

Human anatomy is divided into different anatomical planes. Anterior is the
front of the body, while posterior is the back of the body. The anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL) is named as such because it crosses to the front,
or anterior side, of the human knee. It attaches from the underside of the
thigh bone (femur) to the top of the shinbone (tibia). It’s main job is to
keep the tibia in place, preventing it from sliding out forward from under
the femur.

What is a CCL?

In dogs, this ligament is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament
(CCL). Canine anatomical positions are slightly different because dogs walk
on four legs. Cranial refers to the front of the dog while caudal is the
term that refers to the tail end of the dog. Similar to the ACL, the CCL
attaches to the front, or cranial, aspect of the knee. This provides the
same support for the knee and prevents excessive motion in the joint. The
CCL and ACL are essentially the same ligament and do the same job
stabilizing the knee joint. However, due to the differences in anatomy they
are named differently.

How the ACL or CCL is Injured

Referencing the injuries noted in the first paragraph, damage to these
ligaments typically occurs when there is an abrupt turn in the other
direction. Can you think of an incident in how an athlete or a dog may tear
this ligament? Spot is chasing after a frisbee in the yard, catching it,
then abruptly turning and running back to you. A basketball player quickly
running down the court with the ball towards the opponent, then swiftly
turns to trick their opponent and maneuver in the opposite direction. Think
of your foot staying stationary, while your knee and body twists sideways.
The femur twisting separately from the tibia and straining the ligament in
the knee. This action is the leading cause for ACL tears in athletes and
CCL injuries in dogs.

Altogether, CCL and ACL are virtually the same ligament, and the two terms
could be used interchangeably, however they are specific to human versus
canine anatomy. At Pawsitive Strides, we have treated a range of diverse
canines with CCL injuries. You may have seen pictures of a large mastiff in
the underwater treadmill or a small yorkshire terrier receiving laser
therapy. Typically, CCL tears in dogs are not breed specific. With a wide
variety of therapeutic options, we can work with you and your pet to
overcome this obstacle, either as preventative measures or post surgical
therapy. Call (515) 575-9655 anytime with additional questions or to schedule a
consultation with our licensed veterinarian certified in canine
rehabilitation.

Contact us today at (515) 575-9655 to schedule an appointment.

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