Tibial tuberosity advancement, TTA surgery refers to a surgical procedure which is used for the treatment of anterior cruciate rupture in ligaments at the knee joint of a dog. Basically, there is the cutting of top sections of the tibia. It is then moved forward and stabilized in its new position, and this can be done in several ways. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture is the commonest cause of lameness in dogs.
In order to understand how the procedure works, it is essential to understand what happens when these animals suffer from the condition. When there is such rupturing of ligaments, thigh bones develop some form of instability. If the dog was to take some weight to the affected limb, there is relative movement between the tibia and the thigh bone. The severity in lameness that the dog feels is attributed to the tendency of the thigh bone to feel like giving away.
As such, the main goal of this surgery is to make the tibial plateau to be at 90 degrees to patellar tendon. Therefore, the shin bone is unable to move forward. When this happens, then the knee will feel stable.
The surgical procedure is only done when its benefits are far greater than the possible risks. It is also done when all other possible alternatives have been explored and are unsuccessful. It is performed on medium and large breed dogs.
There should be very careful examination and evaluation before the procedure is done. After carrying out initial examinations, additional palpation ought to be carried out, mostly under light anesthesia. This is used for the detection of any additional instability. X-ray images of the stifle and tibia are obtained which are used for detecting presence of osteoarthritis. Measurement of the angle of the tibial plateau is also done.
Prior preparation for the surgery is enhanced by the x-rays obtained. This is because with these images, it should be possible to evaluate the amount of bone that needs advancement, size of implants required for stabilization of bones and the location of the cut at the bone. Sample fluids from the knees are sent to the laboratory for examination.
The surgical procedure may be performed on either the same day or a different day from when investigations are done. At the time when anesthesia is administered, antibiotics and painkillers are administered as well. The limb gets clipped at the level of the hip to the ankle. The surgery is done after which more x-rays are obtained for assessment of angles and position of the implants. The majority of dogs go home on the same day.
The aftercare that follows TTA surgery is very vital. The rehabilitation period is several months. If one realizes that the dog licks its wounds so much, a plastic collar should be used for prevention of this. Two weeks following the operation, the surgeon should be visited for further examination and removal of the sutures. Any exercises for dogs during the recovery period should be restricted.
In order to understand how the procedure works, it is essential to understand what happens when these animals suffer from the condition. When there is such rupturing of ligaments, thigh bones develop some form of instability. If the dog was to take some weight to the affected limb, there is relative movement between the tibia and the thigh bone. The severity in lameness that the dog feels is attributed to the tendency of the thigh bone to feel like giving away.
As such, the main goal of this surgery is to make the tibial plateau to be at 90 degrees to patellar tendon. Therefore, the shin bone is unable to move forward. When this happens, then the knee will feel stable.
The surgical procedure is only done when its benefits are far greater than the possible risks. It is also done when all other possible alternatives have been explored and are unsuccessful. It is performed on medium and large breed dogs.
There should be very careful examination and evaluation before the procedure is done. After carrying out initial examinations, additional palpation ought to be carried out, mostly under light anesthesia. This is used for the detection of any additional instability. X-ray images of the stifle and tibia are obtained which are used for detecting presence of osteoarthritis. Measurement of the angle of the tibial plateau is also done.
Prior preparation for the surgery is enhanced by the x-rays obtained. This is because with these images, it should be possible to evaluate the amount of bone that needs advancement, size of implants required for stabilization of bones and the location of the cut at the bone. Sample fluids from the knees are sent to the laboratory for examination.
The surgical procedure may be performed on either the same day or a different day from when investigations are done. At the time when anesthesia is administered, antibiotics and painkillers are administered as well. The limb gets clipped at the level of the hip to the ankle. The surgery is done after which more x-rays are obtained for assessment of angles and position of the implants. The majority of dogs go home on the same day.
The aftercare that follows TTA surgery is very vital. The rehabilitation period is several months. If one realizes that the dog licks its wounds so much, a plastic collar should be used for prevention of this. Two weeks following the operation, the surgeon should be visited for further examination and removal of the sutures. Any exercises for dogs during the recovery period should be restricted.
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