Use of the Tibial Tuberosity Transposition Technique with a Slow and Controlled Translation Device in Dogs with Patellar Luxation: 14 Cases

Introduction: Patellar luxation (PL) represents a primary disorder of the canine stifle joint and is a leading cause of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. Characterized by abnormal displacement of the patella relative to the trochlear sulcus, PL possesses a complex, and multifactorial aetiology rooted in a series of developmental musculoskeletal alterations that disrupt the alignment of the quadriceps extensor mechanism (QEM).

Materials and Methods: Fifteen stifles (14 dogs) with grade II medial patellar luxation were treated using the TTTT technique. Alignment of the quadriceps extensor mechanism was visually and radiographically assessed postoperatively. Clinical evaluation and radiographic assessment for osteotomy healing were applied postoperatively.

Results: No patellar reluxation was observed. Two complications (13.33%) were recorded: a fracture of the osteotomized fragment during TT translation (minor) and an implant migration (major). At 60 days postoperatively, no patients presented with lameness. Only one dog required surgical revision to address implant migration. At 30 days, bone consolidation was rated as excellent on 12/15 (80%), good on 1/15 (6.66%), and fair on 2/15 (13.33%). At 60 days postoperatively, consolidation was excellent in all dogs.

Discussion/Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the TTTT technique is effective in treating grade II MPL, yielding excellent clinical outcomes and a low complication rate, supporting the initial hypothesis. Patients experienced rapid recovery and a low complication rate, with no instances of reluxation observed.

Acknowledgment

The authors acknowledge the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP; 2022/14285–6) and CNPq for financial support of this study.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025