Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tibial tuberosity advancement surgery results in 101 dogs with knee
By Lafaver, Sarah et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2007·Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Tibial tuberosity advancement for stabilization of the canine cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle joint: surgical technique, early results, and complications in 101 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 101 dogs with knee problems due to a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) underwent a surgery called tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) to stabilize their joints. While about 31.5% of the dogs experienced complications, most were minor and resolved without further issues. Major complications, like meniscal tears and infections, were successfully treated. After an average of 11.3 weeks, most dogs showed significant improvement in their ability to walk, with 74.5% having no lameness at their follow-up. Overall, the surgery had a high satisfaction rate among owners, with many reporting their pets returned to their normal activities.
People also search for: dog knee surgery recovery · cranial cruciate ligament tear treatment · tibial tuberosity advancement for dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique, early results and complications of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for treatment for cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle joints in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=101) with CrCL-deficient stifles (114). METHODS: Medical records of 101 dogs that had TTA were reviewed. Complications were recorded and separated into either major or minor complications based on the need for additional surgery. In-hospital re-evaluation of limb function and time to radiographic healing were reviewed. Further follow-up was obtained by telephone interview of owners. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 31.5% of the dogs (12.3% major, 19.3% minor). Major complications included subsequent meniscal tear, tibial fracture, implant failure, infection, lick granuloma, incisional trauma, and medial patellar luxation; all major complications were treated with successful outcomes. All but 2 minor complications resolved. The mean time to documented radiographic healing was 11.3 weeks. Final in-hospital re-evaluation of limb function (mean, 13.5 weeks), was recorded for 93 dogs with lameness categorized as none (74.5%), mild (23.5%), moderate (2%), and severe (1%). All but 2 owners interviewed were satisfied with outcome and 83.1% reported a marked improvement or a return to pre-injury status. CONCLUSIONS: TTA is a procedure comparable with alternate methods of CrCL repair with expected good to excellent functional outcome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TTA procedure can be successfully used to obtain the dynamic stability of a CrCL-deficient stifle joint in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17686132/