So which is better, TPLO or TTA?

Well, if your veterinary surgeon has no experience performing TTA’s, as it was only introduced to US surgeons starting in 2004 so many vets do not, you will want to opt for the procedure with which your vet can demonstrate proficiency and results. Many veterinary surgeons perform both TPLO’s and extracapsular imbrication techniques, but there are not many who perform all three. If you have the option of choosing between a surgeon that does a TPLO and a TTA, and have an active, large breed dog that would not do well with a traditonal, or extracapsular imbrication, repair, you will want to weigh all the characteristics of both procedures.

Which is less invasive?

The TTA is surgically less invasive than the TPLO. The amount of stifle angle shifting that takes place during a TTA is minimal when compared to that of a TPLO, where the tibia (the weight bearing part of the knee joint) is surgically cut and altered. In the TTA the osteotomy is made into the tibial tuberosity (not a weight bearing part of the knee joint), not the tibial plateau itself, giving dogs a greater ease in healing, recovery and overall success of the procedure.

Which has a shorter recovery time?

The TTA, because it is a surgically less invasive process, has a shorter recovery time than the TPLO. While most TTA and TPLO dogs are able to begin weight bearing within the first 24 to 48 hours postop, TTA dogs continue to improve with time, whereas TPLO dogs often demonstrate a more gradual healing process taking place over months instead of weeks.
Which has less risks of complications?

What does each procedure cost?

The least expensive method of cranial cruciate ligament (or CrCL) repair is always going to be the extra capsular imbrication method, as it does not require the use of any implants or an osteotomy procedure, and you can expect to pay between $700-$1100 to have a traditional repair done. This procedure can be a great option for many dogs, and I encourage all owners to read more about its risks and benefits when considering surgery for a CCL rupture.

When comparing the TTA and TPLO, the TTA is less expensive, and this is due to the simpler nature of the procedure as well as the fact that it does not require as much equipment, despite the fact that titanium costs more than stainless steel. A typical price for a TTA will run between $1500-$2000 vs. a TPLO ranging between $2200-$2700, which usually includes all of the pre-operative testing, postop medications and post-op visits for suture removal, bandage removal (if applicable) and radiography.

TPLO vs. TTA for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair is a post from: Dog Knee Injury

During the procedure an incision about 4 to 6 inches will be made along the dog’s stifle to provide the surgeon access to the knee tissues. The torn/ruptured cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, is completely removed and the mensicus is examined. The veterinary surgeon will determine at the time of surgery the extent to which the mensicus has sustained damage and will work to remove the injured tissue. The doctor will take care to only remove meniscal tissue that is damaged, as dogs with some intact, healthy meniscus tend to do better long-term than dogs receiving a complete mensicectomy.

A transverse osteotomy is then performed just behind the tibial tuberosity (a non weight bearing part of the knee), which creates a groove in the bone, allowing the tibia to be advanced to its new position. The tibial tuberosity is then advanced to achieve a perpendicular relationship between the tibial plateau slope and patellar tendon, resulting in a stable joint. Examination of the stifle with a-ray radiography prior to surgery will make sure the surgeon has the proper size implants available for the procedure, and the advanced tibial tuberosity is held in place with titanium implants. Lastly, a bone graft is placed into the area of the osteotomy to stimulate healing and the incision is closed with sutures.

TTA Surgical Procedure is a post from: Dog Knee Injury