SANDPOINT — A local veterinary service has been certified to perform a leading-edge surgical technique for treating dogs with torn anterior cruciate ligaments.

Torn ACLs, also known as cranial cruciate ligaments, are one of the most common injuries among the canine set and therefore one of the most commonly sought surgical procedures.

Animal Medical Care in Sandpoint attained accreditation from Swiss veterinary manufacturer and procedure developer Kyon in September to perform Tibial Tuberosity Advancement-2 surgeries. It is a progression of a traditional TTA procedure, which advances the patellar ligament and stabilizes the joint.

“It’s the best procedure to date in the world bar none,” Dr. Bob Stoll said of the TTA-2 surgery. “It has a huge number of advancements.” The procedure revolves around a partially sloped, prismatic titanium alloy cage that’s implanted in the dog’s knee.

During the procedure, an incision is made into the dog’s tibia using a saw guide and a sequence of holes are then drilled for sutures and a surgical staple that will help hold the implant in place. A precision spreader widens the incision in the bone so the cage can be implanted.

The cage is finished with a Biocer treatment which optimizes biocompatibility and reduces the chance of the implant being rejected by surrounding tissues. Nearly microscopic hooks adhere to the bone and the airy configuration of the cage promotes bone regrowth.

There are no plates or screws.

“This is an incredible discovery by the Swiss,” said Stoll.

Stoll said the quickness of the dog’s recovery is one of the more remarkable aspects of the procedure. He played a video of a dog scampering around with ease and stability — and no obvious sign that somebody went at the dog’s knee with a knife and bone saw only a few days earlier.

The procedure reduces damage to vascular supply because the bone is not sheared off complete\ly, according to Kyon. There is also reduced risk of conflicting joint reactions or diminished joint congruency.

The procedure is also easier on injured dogs’ owners.

The surgery can be done locally, so there are no commutes to Kootenai or Spokane counties for surgery or follow-up appointments. Stoll said it’s also about $1,000 cheaper than traditional TTA surgery or another procedure called Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy, also known as TPLO.

“This will really help the community,” said Stoll.

The TTA-2 surgery is already used extensively across Europe. It’s gaining traction in the U.S. but the list of vets certified for the procedure is vastly shorter than vets certified for more traditional surgeries. Animal Medical Care is the only provider listed the Inland or Pacific Northwest, according to Kyon.