A self-locking knot for lateral fabellotibial suture stabilisation of the cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle in the dog

Maintaining adequate tension when knotting large diameter monofilament sutu res can be challenging, especially without surgical assistance. A self-lock ing knot is described for lateral fabellotibial suture stabilisation of the canine cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. The self-locking knot e nables maintenance of tension during tying and the knot can be tied by an u nassisted surgeon. The inherent ability of the knot to maintain tension on the fabellotibial suture is due to the first throw of the knot creating a l ocking-loop effect. Increasing the tension on the suture material is readil y achieved by applying traction on the free ends and tightening the first t hrow of the knot to remove the slack created. When the suture is tightened sufficiently four additional square throws are applied to the knot.