CRUCIATE LIGAMENT SURGERY: EASY OR CHALLENGING?

TTA AND SYNTHETIC BONE GRAFTS IN CANINE CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE WORKSHOP

Tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA), used in the surgical treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency, aims to provide functional stability by altering stifle joint biomechanics. Accurate preoperative planning, determination of the required advancement, and appropriate implant placement are essential steps in the procedure.

Built around the question “Cruciate ligament surgery: easy or challenging?”, this workshop will explore the biomechanical principles and surgical stages of TTA step by step. Participants will practise osteotomy, tibial tuberosity advancement, and implant placement on bone models while discussing potential technical challenges and major complications.

The workshop will also address the use of synthetic bone grafts in the osteotomy gap, the properties of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ceramics that support bone healing, and key considerations in material selection. The functional differences between synthetic grafts and structural ceramic implants designed to maintain the advancement gap will be discussed in light of the available scientific evidence.

Combining theoretical instruction with practical exercises on bone models, this interactive workshop aims to provide participants with a practical understanding of the fundamental steps of TTA.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain the biomechanical principles of TTA in cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency
• Assess key considerations in preoperative planning and determination of the required advancement
• Perform the basic steps of osteotomy, advancement, and implant placement on bone models
• Recognise potential technical challenges and major complications associated with TTA
• Evaluate the rationale and limitations of synthetic bone graft use
• Understand the osteoconductive role of β-TCP ceramics and the importance of their mechanical properties
• Distinguish experimental findings from clinical evidence relating to synthetic grafts and structural ceramic implants

FORMAT

• Interactive theoretical instruction
• TTA biomechanics and preoperative planning
• Practical exercises on bone models
• Review of synthetic bone grafts through scientific publications
• Discussion of technical challenges and complications
• Questions and answers