The effect of cancellous bone grafts on time to consolidation at osteotomy site following tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs

Abstract

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is the main cause of lameness in dogs. Several surgical techniques are used as a treatment, especially osteotomies, as the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Recently new research are being conducted investigating ways to reduce bone healing time. Cancellous bone grafting is considered to be the gold standard method to speed healing due to its osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cancellous gone grafts on the time taken for consolidation at the osteotomy site in dogs undergoing TTA surgery. TTA surgery was performed in 19 stifles in which there was rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament and a tibial plateau angle less than 27 degrees. The cases were divided into two groups: dogs in the control group (C) had TTA only and for those in the study group (E) TTA was complimented with a cancellous bone graft. Serial radiographs were evaluated at 21 day intervals post-surgery and consolidation was confirmed by visual inspection by three observers (two radiologists and an orthopedic surgeon). There was no difference in consolidation time between Groups C and E. The addition of cancellous bone grafting to the osteotomy did not influence time to consolidation in dogs undergoing TTA surgery.