TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, and TTA, or tibial tuberosity advancement, are two very new and biomechanically similar surgical techniques. Both the TPLO and TTA create stability within the dog stifle by altering the angle of the knee and using implants to hold the knee in place while the joint heals in its new position. The TTA procedure is actually a modified version of the TPLO procedure, using the removal of bone of the tibia to allow the restructuring of the stifle’s angle, which is subsequently held in place by metal implants. Read the rest of this entry »
May 01, 2008 | | TPLO vs. TTA, Surgical Procedures, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or TTA, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or TPLO, Surgical Options
One of the benefits of the newest of the cranial cruciate repair surgeries, the TTA, is the length of time required before your dog can return to exercise and a life without restrictions. Because the ostoeotomy (cutting of the bone) in the tibial tuberosity advancement procedure is done in a non weight bearing area of the knee, dogs are able to return to normal activities more quickly than they would be able to after undergoing a TPLO or the traditional (extracapsular imbrication) surgery. Most TTA patients begin weight bearing during walking within the first 24 to 48 hours after completion of the surgical procedure. Read the rest of this entry »
May 01, 2008 | | Recovery, Surgical Procedures, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or TTA, Surgical Options
For both humans and animals alike, any surgical procedure carries a risk of complications. You dog should have a full evaluation done, complete with blood work and other baseline testing, prior to surgery to help minimize any risks. Pre-surgical testing can often diminish the risk of death from anesthesia and other preventable complications related to your canine’s health. Overall, complications with cruciate surgery occur in approximately 5 to 10% of patients. Complications can range from mild and easily resolved, to more severe complications requiring additional surgery, expense and disability. While uncommon, complications do arise during and after tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) repair procedures, and you should have a discussion with your veterinarian regarding ways to minimize and avoid these risks. Read the rest of this entry »
May 01, 2008 | | Complications, Recovery, Surgical Procedures, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or TTA
TTA is the abbreviation for tibial tuberosity advancement, which is a relatively new procedure in the field of cranial cruciate ligament repair of the canine stifle. The TTA technique was developed in 2002 at the University of Zurich, and, biomechanically speaking, the procedure is very similar to the TPLO, without carrying many of the risks. In fact, the TTA is a simpler procedure for veterinary surgeons to perform than the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, or TPLO, and works to correct the injured stifle without over correcting the angle - as TPLO often does. Read the rest of this entry »
May 01, 2008 | | Surgical Procedures, Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or TTA, Surgical Options
For dogs diagnosed with cranial cruciate ligament tears or ruptures there are a number of non-surgical and surgical options available. Each dog is different, and your veterinarian will take into consideration your canine’s weight, size, overall health, severity of injury and the duration since onset when determining what treatment is best for your pet. Non-surgical options are generally referred to as “conservative management” and this treatment involves the use of weight management, prescription non-steroidals and rest to strengthen the joint and begin the healing process. Read the rest of this entry »
Apr 23, 2008 | | Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or TTA, Fibular Head Transposition, Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or TPLO, Extracapsular Imbrication Technique, Traditional Repair, Surgical Options
TPLO, or tibial plateau leveling osteotomy, and TTA, or tibial tuberosity advancement, are two very new and biomechanically similar surgical techniques. Both the TPLO and TTA create stability within the dog stifle by altering the angle of the knee and using implants to hold the knee in place while the joint heals in its new position. The TTA procedure is actually a modified version of the TPLO procedure, using the removal of bone of the tibia to allow the restructuring of the stifle’s angle, which is subsequently held in place by metal implants. Read the rest of this entry »
