Comparing two surgeries for cruciate ligament tears in dogs

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: &#x2003;This study aimed to compare outcomes between the tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure and a modified tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA Rapid) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: &#x2003;Twenty-six dogs were prospectively randomized into two groups: a TPLO group (&#x2009;=&#x2009;13) and a TTA Rapid group (&#x2009;=&#x2009;13). A lameness score evaluation, gait analysis and radiographical examination were performed before surgery, the 3 days after surgery, and then at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Finally, owners were asked to subjectively rate their level of satisfaction. RESULTS: &#x2003;The duration of surgery was significantly shorter for the TTA Rapid procedure (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of complications between groups. Lameness scores were significantly higher during the first 3 days after surgery for the TPLO group (&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01 at day 1,&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01 at day 2 and&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.003 at day 3). One month after surgery, the symmetry index between healthy and affected limbs for the relative stance time during the gait cycle (symmetry index/%) was significantly higher for the TTA Rapid group (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01). No gait parameters were significantly different between the two groups 6 months after surgery. All of the owners of dogs in the TPLO group were completely satisfied, whereas only 11/13 owners of dogs in the TTA rapid group were completely satisfied. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: &#x2003;Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy and TTA Rapid were associated with high long-term success rates in dogs. The immediate postoperative recovery seemed faster with TTA Rapid, but thereafter there was no difference.