Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2010; 23(06): 400-405
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-09-08-0088
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Mechanical testing of a modified stabilisation method for tibial tuberosity advancement

S. Etchepareborde
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Belgium
,
N. Barthelemy
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Belgium
,
J. Mills
2   Scarsdale Veterinary Hospital, Derby, UK
,
F. Pascon
3   Department of Architecture, Geology, Environment and Constructions, University of Liège, Belgium
,
G. R. Ragetly
4   Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
,
M. Balligand
1   Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Belgium
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 16 August 2009

Accepted: 27 April 2010

Publication Date:
19 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objectives: This in vitro study evaluated three modified techniques of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). Loads to failure were calculated for each technique.

Methods: A 9 mm TTA procedure was performed in the tibiae of dogs weighing between 32 and 38 kg. In group 1 (n = 12), the distal part of the tibial crest was left attached to the tibia by the cranial cortex, and a figure-of-eight wire was added for stabilisation. In group 2 (n = 12), the tibial crest was left attached but no additional device was used for stabilisation. In group 3 (n = 12), the tibial crest was completely separated from the tibia and fixed by a figure-of-eight wire so that, in this group, only the wire opposed avulsion of the tibial crest. Unidirectional axial force was applied via the patella to determine the maximal load to failure of the model.

Results: There was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2. These two groups both had a significantly stronger construct than that of group 3.

Clinical significance: We described modifications to the TTA procedure without plate fixation that warrant clinical investigation. When the crest is broken during its advancement, the tension sustained by the repair is significantly weaker from a biomechanical point of view and the use of such a repair clinically is not recommended by the authors.