title: TTA-Rapid in the treatment of the canine cruciate deficient stifle: short- and medium-term outcome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate complications, short- and medium-term outcomes following treatment of lameness associated with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency in dogs using the "TTA-Rapid" technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient records from two veterinary clinics were retrospectively examined to collect data from cases treated over a period of 21 months. An owner postal questionnaire using a clinical metrology instrument (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs) evaluated medium-term outcome of at least six months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total 152 procedures were carried out in 141 dogs by two surgeons. Major complications, requiring further intervention, were identified in 11 (7%). Nine of these involved "late" meniscal injuries and two sustained tibial fractures postoperatively, one requiring internal fixation and the other external coaptation. The 3-month outcome was considered satisfactory in 99% of 135 procedures whilst the medium-term outcome (mean 16 months) was considered satisfactory in 86% of 108 dogs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  "TTA-Rapid" offers a treatment option for cranial cruciate-deficient stifles with good short- and medium-term outcomes. The complication rate was low in our hands.
authors.affiliation: Weighbridge Referral Centre, Kemys Way, Swansea, SA6 8QF.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Butterworth
authors.affiliation: Kydd & Kydd Vets, Wimbledon, London, SW19 7BB.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kydd
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013264:Stifle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*