The Effect of a Modified Approach on Early Weight Bearing Following Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy in Dogs

Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) is a common procedure to address cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs. In order to reach the top of the tibia (shinbone) to perform the surgery, surgeons need to cut across the attachments of three muscles. These muscles have a role in flexing the stifle (knee) and may help with stability of the stifle. The purpose of this study is to see if a modified approach, which allows improved preservation of the muscle attachments, will lead to earlier weight bearing and faster resolution of lameness following TPLO surgery. Learn more about this study here!

Participation Requirements

Inclusion Criteria

• Dogs aged over 1 year of any sex or breed
• Dogs weighing between 13kg (30lb) and 55kg (120lb)
• Dogs diagnosed with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture without other concurrent orthopedic disease based on orthopedic examination and radiographs of the stifle
• Patients must have normal pre-anesthetic bloodwork and be able to receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications following surgery
• Owner willingness to comply with follow-up visit schedule

• Dogs with bilateral lameness or concurrent orthopedic disease

Owner's Responsibilities

This is a prospective clinical trial in which eligible canine patients will be treated for cranial cruciate ligament rupture using the Kyon TPLO system. Patients will have stifle radiographs taken pre-operatively and immediately post-operatively. Gait analysis will be performed prior to surgery and one day following surgery, prior to discharge. Patients must return in 2, 6 and 12 weeks for an orthopedic exam and gait analysis. Additionally, sedated radiographs to confirm healing will be performed at 12 weeks. Clients will be asked to complete a short survey at each recheck visit. If any complications are suspected between these times, patients should be evaluated sooner and any complications recorded.