What is Tibial Tuberosity Advancement?
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) is a surgery used to treat cranial cruciate ligament rupture in the stifle (knee) joints of dogs.
It involves cutting the top of the shin bone, moving it forward, and stabilizing it in its new position.
The goal of TTA surgery is to make the knee stable for the dog when bearing weight, without directly repairing the ligament.
Is my dog a candidate for TTA?
TTA is only performed when the benefits of surgery outweigh the possible risks for the dog, and in cases where alternative, less invasive treatment methods have been unsuccessful. It is most often performed on medium and large breed dogs.
Candidates for TTA surgery are dogs with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament that experience lameness and stifle joint instability. Dogs that are young and/or those that have ruptured both of their ligaments are particularly good candidates.
What are TTA's benefits?
TTA is a popular choice for cranial cruciate ligament injuries because it allows dogs to recover very rapidly.
The strength and stability of the implant means that they can use their legs very soon after the operation.
Dogs tend to feel much better and return to normal exercise and activity in a very short period of time after the procedure.
This also means your dog will experience a much shorter duration for post-operative care and physiotherapy.