Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Using String of Pearls TPLO plates to treat dog knee ligament injuries
By McGregor, Ross E et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2019·Northside Veterinary Specialists, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A Retrospective Study Using the String of Pearls Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy Locking Plate for the Treatment of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease.
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old mixed-breed dog was treated for a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), a common knee injury in dogs that can cause limping and pain. The veterinarian performed a surgical procedure using a special plate called the String of Pearls tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) to stabilize the knee. After 6 to 8 weeks, the healing was assessed, showing that about half of the surgical sites had healed well, although some dogs experienced complications like minor fractures or screw loosening. Overall, the surgery helped many dogs recover, but pet owners should be aware of potential risks and discuss them with their vet.
People also search for: dog knee surgery recovery · cranial cruciate ligament treatment dog · TPLO surgery complications
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to describe the use of String of Pearls (SOP) tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) locking plates for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disease and retrospectively assess osteotomy healing, tibial plateau angle (TPA) change (c) and overall complication rates. METHODS:  Medical records and radiographic studies of 170 SOP TPLO surgical procedures were analysed. Radiographic measurement of TPAc and osteotomy union was determined 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively. Intra- and postoperative major and minor complications were identified. Factors influencing TPAc, osteotomy union and complications were assessed. RESULTS:  Mean (standard deviation) TPAc was 1.3° (1.61) and median osteotomy union was graded as 2 (26-50%) union. Improved osteotomy union was associated with retention of the antirotational pin (odds ratio [OR]: 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-4; = 0.005) and reduced TPAc (OR: 0.8; 95%CI: 0.66-0.97; = 0.02). Complications occurred in 42 (24.7%) procedures with 11 (6.5%) considered major and 31 (18.2%) minor. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:  The use of the SOP TPLO plating system resulted in a median grade 2 (26-50%) radiographic osteotomy union score at 6 to 8 weeks' follow-up, less than previous TPLO locking plate studies. Osteotomy union was associated with retention of the antirotational pin and reduced TPAc. Major and minor complication rates were marginally greater than recent locking plate studies with fibular fracture and screw loosening common complications. The use of SOP TPLO plates is cautioned and further study is warranted.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31226722/