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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2025; 38(04): 153-161
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1795088
Original Research

Effect of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Transection during TPLO on Patellar Desmitis in Dogs with Partial Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Authors

  • Mariana Almeida 

    1   Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists, Alton, Hampshire, United Kingdom

  • Véronique Livet 

    2   Southfields Veterinary Specialists, Basildon, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the protective effect of transecting a partially ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) during tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery on postoperative patellar ligament thickness (PLT) and shortening.

Study Design Dogs with partial CCL rupture that underwent a unilateral TPLO were included. The population was divided into two groups: remnant CCL transected (study group) and left in situ (control group). Preoperative and 6-week postoperative measurements of PLT, in three specific locations, and patellar ligament length (PLL) were collected. Risk factors for PLT and shortening were also included.

Results Fifty-two dogs (56 stifles) with partial CCL rupture were retrospectively included. Twenty-nine stifles (51.8%) had the remnant CCL transected (study group) and 27 stifles (48.2%) had the remnant CCL left in situ (control group). Significant differences were found on PLT measurements between pre- and 6-week post-surgery for all three ligament locations with greatest difference at the middle region. Median PLL was significantly shorter 6-week post-surgery for both groups. No significant differences in PLT nor PLL were identified between procedures where the remnant was transected or not.

Conclusion This study did not identify a protective effect of transecting the CCL remnant on PLT or patellar ligament shortening, contrary to other reports within the literature. Further investigation is needed in the form of prospective studies with higher number of cases to understand the clinical implications of patellar ligament thickening and shortening in dogs.

Keywords

partial CCL rupture - tibial plateau levelling osteotomy - TPLO - patellar desmitis - patellar ligament thickness - patellar ligament length

Authors' Contribution

M.A. contributed to the study concept and design, data collection, drafting, revision, and final approval. V.L. contributed to the study concept and design, revision, and final approval.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 31 December 2023

Accepted: 21 October 2024

Article published online:
21 November 2024

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