Triple Tibial Osteotomy (TTO) for Treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Small Breed Dogs

Twelve dogs weighing less than 10 kg underwent unilateral TTO to stabilize the stifle joint with cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Surgical findings, intra-operative and post-operative complications were recorded. Radiographic examinations were performed for 8 weeks following surgery. Postoperative outcome was evaluated using a visual analogue lameness scoring system. Mean preoperative PTA (the angle created by the intersection of the tibial plateau extrapolation line and the patellar tendon) was 103.8 degrees. Mean tibial wedge angle was 16.6 degrees. Mean postoperative PTA was 92.1 degrees. Intraoperatively, fracture through the caudal tibial cortex occurred in all dogs, through the distal tibial crest cortex in 2 dogs, through the lateral tibial cortex in 2 dogs and through the fibula in 1 dog. Four-week postoperative radiographs demonstrated evidence of progressive bone union at osteotomy site and complete unions were identified at 8 week in 10 dogs. All dogs were healed in 11 weeks. Most of dogs revealed weak lameness in 4 weeks and normal ambulation in 8 weeks postoperatively except for only one dog returned in 11 weeks. Despite frequent minor complication, it appears that the TTO is an alternative procedure for management of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in small breed dogs.