Summary
The tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) procedure was developed to treat dogs with
cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifles. A retrospective, descriptive study was
performed on 57 dogs that underwent unilateral or bilateral TTA. Medical records were
reviewed and pre-, postoperative and follow-up radiographs were evaluated for patellar
ligament-tibial plateau angle (α), distance of the tibial tuberosity advancement and
progression of degenerative joint disease. A questionnaire was sent to all owners
to obtain their assessment of the procedural outcome. Sixty-five stifles in 57 dogs
received a TTA. Mean age was 5.2 ± 2.5 years while mean weight was 39.7 ± 11.9 kg.
Eighteen breeds were represented with Labrador retrievers and mixed breeds predominating.
The mean duration of lameness prior to surgery was 6.2 ± 6.7 months, with a median
lameness score of 3/4. Fifty-nine percent of cases encountered complications, the
majority of which were minor. Major post-operative complications were uncommon but
consisted of implant failure, tibial crest displacement and medial meniscal tears.
The mean radiographic preoperative angle α was 100°, while the postoperative was 95.5°.
Mean osteoarthrosis scores were significantly different between preoperative and follow-up
radiographs with 67% of cases showing radiographic progression. Seventy percent of
owners responded to the survey with overall outcome considered good to excellent in
90%. Activity level was improved in 90% of responses. TTA subjectively appears to
be a useful alternative in the management of cranial cruciate ligament disease. Few
severe complications were encountered. Good clinical outcome and owner satisfaction
was reported with the procedure in this set of cases.
Keywords
Cranial cruciate ligament - tibial tuberosity advancement - TTA - stifle
