Results of Single-Session Bilateral Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomies as a Treatment for Bilaterally Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligaments in Dogs: 25 Cases (2000–2001)

Abstract

The records of 25 dogs with bilaterally ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments (CrCL) treated with single-session bilateral tibial plateau leveling osteotomies (TPLOs) were reviewed. The mean age and body weight at presentation were 4.9 years and 36.1 kg, respectively. Minor complications occurred in five dogs. Good or excellent function occurred in 19 of 25 dogs at a mean of 6.9 weeks postoperatively. Owner evaluation revealed that the 88% of dogs had good or excellent function at an average of 14.3 months postoperatively. This study demonstrated that single-session bilateral TPLOs are an effective treatment for bilaterally ruptured CrCLs with minimal morbidity and complications.

Tibial Osteotomies for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Insufficiency in Dogs

“…Another study with a follow‐up ranging from 6 months to 4 years reported that 93% of owners were satisfied with the outcome after TPLO, which is similar to the proportion of owner satisfaction after other techniques 57 . Good to excellent long‐term function, based on owner evaluation, has also been reported in most dogs (25 cases, 50 stifles) treated with single‐session bilateral TPLOs 62 …”

“…A retrospective analysis by Kergiosen et al 57 identified age, weight, single session bilateral TPLO surgery and tibial tuberosity width as potential risk factors for tibial tuberosity fractures. Prophylactic pin and tension bands have been used in an attempt to decrease the risk of tibial tuberosity fractures 62 …”

Risk Factors for Tibial Tuberosity Fracture After Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy in Dogs

“…In our study population, simultaneous bilateral TPLO surgeries were associated with an unacceptably high rate of TT fracture, suggesting that simultaneous bilateral TPLO should not be performed. Whereas this finding is supported by findings in another study, 15 it is in contradiction to a study which specifically addresses complications after bilateral simultaneous TPLO surgery 19 . This apparent difference may reflect the use of tension band wiring applied prophylactically in 8 out of 50 stifles to address a subjectively narrow TT width 19 .…”

“…Positioning of the osteotomy too cranially so that the remaining tibial crest is too thin may predispose the fracture of the TT; however, the minimal acceptable TT width has not been described 15,18 . Finally, despite our clinical impression that there is a greater risk of TT fracture in dogs undergoing simultaneous bilateral TPLO, this finding is debated in the literature 11,15,19 …”

Effect of 9 mm Tibial Tuberosity Advancement on Cranial Tibial Translation in the Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament‐Deficient Stifle

“…The reported complication rate ranges from 19 to 28%. [75][76][77][78] Incisional infection appeared to be the overall most common complication, which responded to antibiotic therapy.…”