Is TTA better than lateral suture in small dogs with cruciate disease?

Abstract

PICO question

In dogs weighing under 15 kg with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease, does tibial tuberosity advancement lead to better long-term functional outcomes than lateral fabellar suture?

Clinical bottom line

Category of research question

Treatment

The number and type of study designs reviewed

There were no papers that answered the PICO question

Strength of evidence

Zero

Outcomes reported

Between TTA and LFS none of the techniques was shown to provide better long-term functional outcomes than the other in dogs weighing less than 15 kg

Conclusion

Given the absence of evidence answering the PICO question, choice and recommendation of procedure between TTA and LFS in dogs weighing under 15 kg should be guided by what the surgeon deems to be in the best interest of the patient

How to apply this evidence in practice

The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.

Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.