Outcomes and Complications in Dogs Less Than 12 Kg Undergoing Miniature Tibial Tuberosity Advancement versus Extracapsular Stabilization with Tibial Tuberosity Transposition for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease with Concomitant Medial Patellar Luxation

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and complication rates of dogs weighing less than 12 kg with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear and concomitant medial patella luxation treated with extracapsular stabilization with tibial tuberosity transposition (ECS+TTT) versus those treated with miniature tibial tuberosity advancement (mTTA). Our primary hypothesis was that the mTTA cases would have an improved outcome and lower complication rate compared with those undergoing ECS+TTT. Our secondary hypothesis was that the procedure would be feasible to perform in dogs weighing less than 12 kg.

Materials and Methods: Medical records were reviewed in dogs weighing less than 12 kg that underwent ECS+TTT or mTTA. Lameness scores were compared at the 2 and 8 week rechecks as well as radiographic healing scores at the 8-week recheck between the study populations.

Results: There was no significant difference in overall outcome between the ECS + TTT and the mTTA populations when comparing radiographic healing and lameness scores. Complications were more frequent in the ECS + TTT population with more major complications occurring in this group.

Discussion/Conclusion: The results of this study partly supported the hypothesis with the mTTA population resulting in a lower complication rate; however, overall outcome was comparable between the groups. The secondary hypothesis was fully supported in that the mTTA was feasible. Limitations of this study include the small sample size, limited amount of objective data, and inherent nature of a retrospective study.

Acknowledgment: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.