Feline Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in cats is less common than in dogs but represents an important orthopedic condition that requires accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Unlike dogs where CCL rupture is predominantly degenerative, feline CCL rupture is most commonly traumatic in origin, often occurring secondary to falls from heights ("high-rise syndrome" or "apartment syndrome"), motor vehicle accidents, or other acute trauma. A subset of overweight, middle-aged cats may develop degenerative CCL rupture similar to dogs.

The CCL (equivalent to the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL in humans) is the primary stabilizer of the feline stifle joint, preventing cranial tibial translation, hyperextension, and excessive internal rotation. Rupture leads to joint instability, pain, lameness, and progressive osteoarthritis if left untreated.

Anatomy of the Feline Stifle Joint

The stifle (knee) joint is the largest and most complex synovial joint in the cat. It consists of three articulations: the femoropatellar joint (between femoral trochlea and patella), medial femorotibial joint, and lateral femorotibial joint (between femoral and tibial condyles).