Evaluation, Description of the Technique, and Clinical Outcomes After Tibial Tuberosity Advancement With Cranial Fixation (TTA CF) for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in 22 Dogs.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe a modified surgical technique for tibial tuberosity advancement with cranial fixation (TTA CF) in dogs with cranial cruciate insufficiency and to report long term clinical outcomes and complications. TTA CF was performed with a novel titanium implant. A description of the specific implant with guide, drill and saw guide, instrumentation, and template are provided, along with clinical outcomes, complications, owners' evaluation, and a 1-year postoperation follow-up. Twenty two mixed breed dogs, with a median body weight of 23 kg (range, 11-45 kg) were included. The median age at surgery was 4 years (range, 1-8 years). Clinical bone healing was seen at a mean 10 weeks (range 6-14 weeks). The minor complication rate was 27% (n = 6). No major complication occurred, and no revision surgery was required. Twenty-one (95%) dogs had a good to excellent outcome 1 year after surgery. Currently there is no accepted best treatment of the canine cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. Most of TTA techniques are based on fixing the implant from the medial side of tibia. We report a modified TTA technique with cranial fixation of a titanium implant and suggest that the TTA CF surgical technique may be a feasible alternative to existing surgical procedures.