Under and Over Fascial Repair in Dogs

An under and over fascial repair procedure is used to treat dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease. Commonly caused by injury, cranial cruciate ligament disease can affect any dog of any age, breed of gender. If left untreated, the canine could develop other skeletal conditions later on in life. A board certified orthopedic surgeon specialist will perform the surgery, after a proper diagnosis is made. The surgeon will use material already present in the dog’s knee, known as the fascia, to stabilize the joint in an under and over fashion.

A board certified orthopedic surgeon specialist can diagnose a dog with a ruptured cranial ligament through physical manipulation of the joint paired with radiographs taken of the joint. The ligament can be partially or fully ruptured, which is why a proper diagnosis prior to surgery is crucial. Under and over fascial repair in dogs is a technique that uses the dog’s fascia to stabilize the joint. The fascia is a strong strip of connective tissue that wraps the muscle of the canine’s knee. The veterinary orthopedic surgeon can use this rather thin, yet strong connective tissue to tie the knee together, in a sense. The fascia is wrapped around the fibula to prevent further degeneration of the joint and increase the strength of the joint overtime. 

The efficacy of an under and over fascial repair in dogs depends on the specific case presented. In most cases, the procedure is an effective technique for stabilizing the stifle joint in the dog, while at the same time, preventing further joint degeneration. 

Following an under and over fascial repair surgery, the canine will be required to wear a cast or splint for four to eight weeks postoperatively. During the recovery time, activity restrictions will be put in place as rest is a crucial role of the healing process. Optimal function of the joint can be achieved approximately 26 weeks following the surgery date, on average. 

The total cost of an under and over fascial repair surgery for a dog can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 to have performed. The total cost depends on the initial diagnosis and after care requirements.

The under and over fascial repair method is generally effective in repairing the CCL, yet the long term health of the joint is uncertain. A canine may experience early onset osteoarthritis years after the surgery. In any case, the underlying damage that has made the canine require a under and over fascial repair surgery can likewise prompt osteoarthritis regardless of having the technique performed. 

Under and over fascial repair is almost always the result of injury from falls or some other form of trauma. Pet owners can help avoid the need for this form of surgery by following standard safety procedures for a canine, such as providing a fenced-in yard and careful supervision.