Veterinary Specialty of Colorado Springs


			One of the Newest Treatment For Canine ACL Rupture is TTA Average size dogs with partial ACL tears are candidates for TTA. Arthroscopy is used in conjunction with TTA surgery to confirm the diagnosis and debride the abnormal tissues from the joint. Our surgeons at Colorado Canine Orthopedics haveperformed thousands of knee and arthroscopic surgical procedures and approximately 300 TTA procedures. All animals receive a morphine epidural to ensure post-operative comfort. All animals undergoing TTA can be discharged from the hospital the day of surgery.

	How the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Works
	1. The bone just below the knee or stifle joint is the tibia and the bone above is the femur. The top of the tibia is the tibial plateau. The patellar tendon attaches the kneecap (patella) to the tibial tuberosity.		2. During weight bearing, the femur slides down the tibial plateau. The ACL stops this downward slope, therefore, is under constant tension during weight bearing. This biomechanical problem results in ACL rupture and is directly related to the angle between the tibial plateau slope and the patellar tendon. A more perpendicular angle results in a more stable joint.
	3. The TTA involves an osteotomy in the non-weight bearing portion of the tibia, just behind the tibial tuberosity. The tibial tuberosity is advanced to achieve a perpendicular relationship between the tibial plateau slope and patellar tendon. This relationship results in a stable joint.		4. The advanced tibial tuberosity is secured using titanium implants. A bone graft is packed in the open area of the osteotomy. Healing takes about 8 weeks. Implants do not require removal.


	FAQs About TTA Q: Does my pet have to spend the night in the hospital? A: No. Virtually all dogs undergoing TTA at Colorado Canine Orthopedics can be discharged the day of surgery. Q: Will this have a negative affect on the opposite leg? A: No. Both of the current ACL repair techniques (TTA and TPLO) provide the best possible outcome with no negative affect on the opposite leg. Q: Will the opposite knee have the same problem? A: Forty percent of all dogs with ACL rupture on one side will have the problem on the opposite side. The most effective ways to decrease this percentage are early surgical repair to allow for even weight distribution and weight loss in obese dogs. Q: Is the postoperative period more difficult following TTA than following older techniques? A: Absolutely not. Because the TTA involves an osteotomy in a non-weight bearing portion of the bone, patients are very comfortable. Q: Will my pet experience pain in the postoperative period? A: Minimal. All dogs undergoing TTA at Colorado Canine Orthopedics are given a morphine epidural. Most clients feel their pet's discomfort level is quite tolerable. Q: How long does it take for healing? A: The osteotomy takes 6 - 8 weeks to heal. During this time your pet can have a reasonable amount of leash activity. Q: How will I know how to care for my pet after surgery? A: At Colorado Canine Orthopedics we prepare a detailed set of written discharge instructions for each patient. We carefully review this information with you prior to discharge. Q: What should I expect when I get home the night of surgery? A: Your pet will most likely be able to walk (but not well) when you get home. Most patients find their comfort zone once home and sleep the evening and night away. Your pet’s surgeon will call the night of surgery to check on your pet and answer any questions. You will also be given the doctors’ home phone number in case you have urgent questions or concerns in the evenings or on weekends. See what our clients have to say...

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