Cruciate ligament tears are a common knee injury in dogs, and Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery is one of the treatments for this condition. Our Carrollton veterinarians talk about Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Surgery for dogs today, including how it works, the benefits, and what it entails.
A Dog's Cranial Cruciate Ligament
The cranial cruciate ligament is one of two ligaments found in a dog's knee. It is a band of connective tissue that connects the femur and tibia (the bones above and below the knee) and allows the knee to function. This is also the ligament with the highest likelihood of injury.
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is similar to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in humans.
A dog's cruciate ligament can rupture suddenly (acute rupture) or gradually tear, worsening until a full rupture occurs.
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Surgery
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery is less invasive than other surgical procedures for a torn CCL, such as TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy).
TTA surgery involves cutting the front part of the tibia and separating it from the rest of the bone. To move the front section forward and up, a special orthopedic spacer is inserted between the two sections of the tibia. This improves the alignment of the patellar ligament, which runs along the front of the knee, preventing much of the abnormal sliding movement. Following this procedure, a bone plate will be attached to keep the front section of the tibia in the proper position.
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery is typically performed on dogs with a steep tibial plateau (angle of the tibia's top section). Your veterinarian can determine whether TTA surgery is the best surgical treatment for your dog's torn CCL.
The cost of TTA surgery for dogs varies according to a number of factors. Contact your veterinarian for a reliable estimate.
What Does TTA Surgery for Dogs Involve?
Your veterinarian will examine your dog's knee to determine the extent of the injury, the severity of the injury, and whether Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery is the best treatment option for your dog. Your veterinarian may perform the following tests and diagnostics:
- X-rays of the stifle and tibia
- Laboratory analysis of fluid drawn from the knee
- Palpation (your dog may be sedated or given light anesthesia for this)
Your dog's surgery may be scheduled on the same day as these tests, or at a later date.
Your dog will be sedated with anesthesia during their surgery, and your veterinarian will administer painkillers and antibiotics. Your dog's limb will be clipped from hip to ankle. They will then make a small cut or incision in the knee before beginning the surgery to inspect the internal structures. Following that, the damaged cartilage is removed and any ruptured ligaments are trimmed.
Following your dog’s surgery, X-rays will be taken to determine the angle of the top of the shin bone (the tibial plateau) with the patellar tendon and to inspect the implant's position.
Your dog may be given a bandage following surgery, and patients are frequently able to return home the same day.
After Surgery Care
It may take several months for your dog to recover from surgery, so make sure you follow your vet's post-operative care instructions carefully. When your dog is discharged from the animal hospital, your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers. If your dog has a habit of licking its wound, an Elizabethan collar may be required while the incision heals.
During the first few weeks following your dog's surgery, you'll need to see your veterinarian to monitor his recovery and remove any sutures.
The restriction of your dog's activity and movements, except for toiletry needs, is critical to their recovery. To keep them from running, stair climbing, or jumping, keep them on a leash. To prevent these movements when your dog is not on a leash, confine them to a small room or pen. After a few weeks, you can gradually increase your dog's activity and movement level.
A follow-up appointment with your veterinarian will be scheduled approximately 6 to 8 weeks after your dog's procedure. During this visit, your veterinarian will examine your dog's leg function, take X-rays to assess the healing of the cut bone, and advise you on how to increase your dog's daily activity level. Additional tests and evaluations may be required depending on the circumstances of your dog's case.
The Benefits of TTA Surgery in Dogs
There are a handful of benefits for dogs that have their torn CCL treated with Tibial Tuberosity Advancement surgery, including:
- Increased range of motion in the knee
- Faster healing time than with some other surgeries used to treat CCL tears
- 90% surgery success rate
- Dogs can return to their normal activities quicker
Risks of TTA Surgery
While the success rate is high and most dogs go on to make a smooth and complete recovery there are several complications associated with TTA surgery including:
- Infections
- Fractures
- Loosening implants
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.