Tibial Plateau Leveling Following Tibial Tuberosity Advancement: A Case Series

Persistent stifle instability is a recognized complication following tibial tuberosity advancement techniques (TTAT). The aim of this study is to report the feasibility and outcome of tibial plateau leveling techniques (TPLT) to treat dogs with persistent lameness, suspected to be secondary to persistent stifle instability, following (TTAT). Medical records of dogs presented for persistent lameness after TTAT were reviewed. Preoperative data included orthopedic examination, lameness score and radiographs. Inclusion criteria included performance of a surgery to address persistent lameness and suspected instability. Short-term follow up data included orthopedic examination and radiographs of the stifle. Long-term follow up was based on postoperative Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire. Seven dogs were included in the study. Mean subjective preoperative lameness score was 3 +/- 1.53. Mean preoperative patellar ligament angle relative to the tibial plateau (PLA(TP)) was 94 degrees and mean tibial plateau angle (TPA) was 28 degrees. Six dogs had tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and one had modified cranial closing wedge ostectomy. Mean postoperative PLA(TP) was 79 degrees and mean TPA was 5 degrees. Mean subjective lameness score at follow up was 0.57 +/- 0.49. Minor complications were present in 2 dogs and major complication in 1 dog. Mean LOAD questionnaire score was 6.6/52. TPLT can be performed after TTAT and may improve clinical function and stability in these cases in which persistent instability is suspected.