Tibial tuberosity advancement for stabilization of the canine cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle joint: surgical technique, early results, and complications in 101 dogs.
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.


METHODS
Retrospective clinical study.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
TTA procedure can be successfully used to obtain the dynamic stability of a CrCL-deficient stifle joint in dogs.
Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, Denver, CO, USA.
Sarah
S
Lafaver
Nathan A
NA
Miller
W Preston
WP
Stubbs
Robert A
RA
Taylor
Randy J
RJ
Boudrieau
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012086:Reoperation / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D013264:Stifle / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013977:Tibia / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome