What is MMP?
MMP, or Modified Marquet Procedure, is a specific technique under the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) osteotomies we provide at Brisbane Pet Surgery.
This procedure utilises a titanium wedge to adjust the tibial crest, enhancing patella tendon tension and thus stabilising the stifle, especially when the ACL is torn.
It's particularly effective for small to medium-breed dogs in our experience.
How does MMP work?
MMP is an orthopaedic technique designed to repair a damaged cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in a dog's knee. Inspired by a method developed over 50 years ago for human knees by Dr. Maguet, MMP addresses ACL tears in dogs by alleviating the strain on the quadriceps muscles. This then allows the patellar tendon to function as a replacement for the damaged ACL/CCL.
The key goal of MMP is to adjust the tibia's angle, aligning it at a 90-degree angle with the patellar tendon using a titanium Orthofoam wedge. These Orthofoam implants offer stability and promote swift bone growth and healing.
Recovery and aftercare
Following an MMP procedure, there's a minor risk of fractures, particularly during weeks two and three. Thus, it's essential to ensure your dog remains in a cage and is leashed when out of the cage for the initial 4-6 weeks. The success of the method hinges on maintaining robust thigh muscles. Ideally, dogs should be walked for three 20-minute sessions daily from the second week post-operation.
Many dogs regain 80-90% of their functionality within a month of the MMP procedure. Some might even transition from limping to walking within a day following the treatment. By 8-10 weeks after the surgery, limited off-lead time is recommended, progressing to full off-lead play around the twelfth week.
Typically, dogs can be sent home on the same day, as many owners prefer to have their pets recover in a familiar environment.
Benefits of MMP over TPLO in dogs
MMP offers several advantages over the older TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy) method. While TPLO involves a more intricate bone adjustment process using plates and screws, MMP is generally less invasive, necessitating a single bone cut in comparison to TPLO's three.
Consequently, the recovery period for MMP is notably shorter, spanning 4-6 weeks as opposed to TPLO's 10-12 weeks.
Cost of MMP surgery for dogs
The price for MMP surgery currently ranges between approximately $2,600 to $2,800 (based on the weight), contingent on the dog's size and the ACL injury's complexity.
Optional pre-anaesthetic blood test available for all surgeries (additional cost)
Since childhood, Dr. Plummer has been passionate about caring for animals, and graduated with Honours in a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland. He opened the Brisbane Pet Surgery with the aim of making quality pet care affordable for everyone.
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