Tibial tuberosity advancement surgery or TTA
is the latest surgical treatment for cranial cruciate ligament disease in the dog.
TTA is indicated for dogs weighing more than 50 lbs.
Along with TPLO, TTA is considered a “bone cutting” procedure that minimizes tibial thrust and aids in stabilizing the stifle joint.
Currently, four surgical options exist for a torn cruciate ligament in the dog. They are TPLO, TTA, Tightrope, and lateral suture.
Pros of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Surgery
1. Creates 90-degree angle between the tibial plateau and patellar ligament thereby eliminating tibial thrust and lameness.
2. Early return to function with decreased loss of muscle mass.
3. Better outcomes compared to other procedures in large dogs most notably the lateral suture.
Cons of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Surgery
1. Bone cutter – potential for more drastic complications.
2. Cost – TTA is comparable to the cost of TPLO and Tightrope yet more than lateral suture.
Expectations of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Surgery
After surgery, expect swelling. Most dogs have swelling starting from just above the knee down into the foot. This swelling will begin to subside after the seventh day postoperatively. As the swelling goes away, the pain soon follows.
By day twelve, most dogs are bearing weight, approximately 50%.
Increased weight bearing comes with time and most dogs return to full weight-bearing by six weeks.
It is extremely important to restrict full exercise and use of the leg until 8 weeks. The bone has been cut and it takes at least 6 weeks and up to 8 weeks for the bone to completely heal.
Do the physical therapy exercises diligently. These exercises make a huge difference in the success of the procedure!
The video below shows one of our patients walking in the clinic 14 days after TTA surgery.
The video below shows a prior TTA surgery dog running. Can you tell which leg had the TTA surgery?
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