Pet Orthopedic
Pet Orthopedic in Orange, CA
ACL and MMP
What is ACL and what is MMP?
ACL usually refers to Anterior Cruciate Ligament which is the ligament that is located in the knee joint and is crucial for stabilizing the joint. ACL injuries are most common in active or older pets. Symptoms of an ACL injury includes limping, pain, and swelling in the knee joint with difficulty to bear weight on the affected leg which results in decreased of activity levels. Treatment for an ACL injury can range from rest and medication to surgical intervention. Common surgical procedures include TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) and TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement).
Modified Maquet Procedure (MMP) is a surgical technique used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in dogs. It is an alternative to other common procedures like TPLO and TTA. This procedure is used to stabilize the knee joint by altering the tibia, similar to TTA. This consists of making a cut in the tibial tuberosity and making it go forward. This is typically stabilized with a titanium wedge and screws.
Why/When do they need the surgery?
Surgery is necessary to avoid joint instability, pain, arthritis, and meniscal injury which can affect a pet’s quality of life. Conditions in which surgery is needed are when there is a partial or complete tear, chronic lameness, having a large or active dog, and failure of conservative management.
The benefit of the surgery/how long it takes to recover
Benefits of the surgery include restoration of joint stability, pain reduction, mobility improvement, prevention of further damage, and improved quality of life. Modified Maquet Procedure recovery time depends on the condition and the extent of the procedure but it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks with 6 to 10 for rehabilitation.
Discount option, CareCredit accepted
The package includes with:
- Full blood work panel (pre-qualified for surgery)
- Radiograph Pre and Post-surgical (up to 8 weeks)
- IV catheter, Fluid therapy, pre-medication, antibiotic, pain injection, anesthesia during surgery; medication to go home, e-collar, bandage
- Follow-up appointment after surgery (at 2, 4, or 8 weeks)
What to expect for complications/rare incidents
You’re aware that any surgery always has a risk/ complication that can happen. In that case, we can work with you about the solutions. Contact the office to get more information.
Additional Resources
Brisbane Pet Surgery
Indian Ridge Animal Hospital
MMP Procedure for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Tears
Other Orthopedic Procedures
Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) Surgery
This is a surgical procedure designed to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries in pets. When the CCL is torn, it causes pain, instability, and lameness. TTA aims to stabilize the knee joint by changing the biomechanics of the tibia (shin bone).
We begin by examining the pet by taking X-rays and determining the extent of the injury. The procedure begins with a surgical incision, cutting the tibia, inserting a spacer, and finishes by securing the tibial tuberosity. Recovery time takes about 2 to 3 weeks with 8 to 12 weeks of rehabilitation.
Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) Repair
This is an orthopedic condition in pets where the patella (kneecap) dislocates or moves out of place, typically towards the inside (medial side) of the knee. This condition can cause lameness, pain, and discomfort. If left unmanaged, it may lead to arthritis. Specific factors such as congenital or trauma can cause MPL and symptoms usually include lameness, hopping, difficulty walking, pain, swelling, and stiffness.
There are non-surgical and surgical treatments for MPL. The non-surgical way would be having the pet be in weight management, physical therapy, pain management, and activity modification/enhancement). The surgical route would be performing Tibial Tuberosity Transposition (TTT), Trochleoplasty, Lateral Imbrication and Corrective Osteotomy.
Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO)
This is a surgical procedure to alleviate pain and improve function for severe hip joint problems. This procedure involves the removal of the femoral head and neck, effectively eliminating the hip joint and a false joint made of scar tissue forms which allows the pet to regain pain-free mobility. Symptoms of FHO include hip dysplasia, Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease, severe arthritis, dislocation, and fractures. The procedure starts with an evaluation and the surgery includes making an incision, removal of the femoral head and neck, smoothening the bone edges, and then a closure. The benefits of this procedure would be pain relief, improvement in mobility, there is no implant needed, and it’s cost-effective. Recovery takes about 2 to 4 weeks with 4 to 8 weeks of rehabilitation.
Fracture Repair
This is a treatment of fractured bones in pets to restore normal function, alleviate pain, and prevent complications. Correct fracture repair is extremely crucial for the recovery and long-term health of the animal.
Types of Fractures
- Closed Fracture
- Open (Compound) Fracture
- Simple Fracture
- Comminuted Fracture
- Greenstick Fracture
Ways to repair a fractured bone includes external fixation which is where pins or wires get inserted through the skin, into the bone and connected by an external frame, or internal fixation which is where implants are placed with plates, screws, pins, or rods directly on or within the bone.