The most common cause of rear limb lameness in the dog is rupture and partial rupture of the cranial ( anterior ) cruciate ligament. This derangement results in degenerative changes ( osteoarthritis ) in the stifle ( knee ) joint, including cartilage damage, osteophyte ( bone spur ) production and meniscal injury.
Current treatment options include:
INTRA-ARTICULAR REPAIR ; Fascial ( patella tendon ) Graft.
EXTRA-ARTICULAR REPAIR ;
Lateral Suture ( DeAngelis ) Stabilization ,
TightRope Technique
Fibular Head Transposition
GEOMETRIC ADVANCEMENT PROCEDURES
All techniques provide good results if the postoperative instructions are followed. Each technique has a number of both positive and negative qualities that must be considered when choosing the best procedure for your pet. All procedures require restricted activity, prevention of self-trauma, and some forms of physical therapy to achieve the best results. TPLO AND TTA HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO SLOW THE PROGRESSION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS.
THE LATEST INFORMATION (2013) INDICATES THAT THE TPLO HAS HIGHER OWNER SATISFACTION RESULTS THAN EXTRAARTICULAR TECHNIQUES. (JAVMA, VOL 243, NO 5, 9/01/2013)
