An apparatus for stabilizing a joint during orthopedic surgery. The apparatus includes a securing anchor which is rigidly attached to a bone, and a flexible cable which is connected to the anchor at a point which is external to the profile of the bone. The flexible cable is constructed of a substantially inelastic material such as stainless steel. The cable is connected to features and mechanisms which provide an apparent elasticity in the apparatus when the cable is placed in tension. Further the apparatus includes adjustment features and mechanisms which allow the user to adjust the amount of tension along the length of the cable. The bones may be the femur and tibia in the stifle joint of a dog.
