Boise Emergency: 208.375.1600 | Idaho Falls Emergency: 208.552.0662 | Meridian Emergency: 208.813.6477

TIBIAL TUBEROSITY ADVANCEMENT (TTA) TREATMENT

The board certified surgeons at WestVet have extensive training and experience with TTA and other procedures used to stabilize the knee.

The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is the equivalent of the human ACL. This relatively large ligament located within the center of the stifle (knee), keeps the tibia and femur in alignment and prevents hyperextension and excessive internal rotation.

When the CCL tears the joint becomes unstable, painful, and arthritic. This can subsequently lead to tearing of the cartilage between the bones (the meniscus). In most cases, CCL tears are caused by degeneration of the ligament.

A CCL tear is diagnosed by physical examination with symptoms including:

  • pain on range of motion
  • thickening of the affected stifle
  • effusion (increased fluid) within the joint
  • instability on palpation

Your surgeon utilizes various criteria to determine which procedure will be best for your dog.

TTA veterinary surgery for dog’s knee repair

A tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) stabilizes the knee by eliminating cranial thrust, thus negating the need for the CCL. To do this, the tibial tuberosity is cut and advanced forward until the joint forces on the top of the tibia are perpendicular to the patellar tendon. The bone is held in place by a metal plate, cage, and screws. The gap created will fill in with bone over several months, becoming a permanent method of fixation.

Post-operative complications can be prevented by following the instructions of your surgeon. Complications are uncommon, and most can be easily treated. Potential complications include infection, delayed bone healing, implant failure, or late meniscal injury.

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Your dog’s recovery from knee surgery at WestVet

Healing time is approximately 2-3 months. During recovery, it is imperative that activity is restricted to short leash walks only. Running, jumping, or off-leash activity can result in complications and delayed healing.

Radiographs (X-rays) taken at 8 weeks evaluate healing progression; your surgeon will inform you when your dog is ready to resume normal activity. Physiotherapy can be beneficial to recovery.

Please see your family veterinarian for a referral for a consultation with a WestVet surgeon. If you have questions regarding your dog’s knee surgery, call us at 208.375.1600.

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