Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications after single-stage surgery for dogs with torn knee
By Kiefer, J E et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2015·John E. Kiefer, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Single-stage bilateral tibial tuberosity advancement for treatment of bilateral canine cranial cruciate ligament deficiency.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with torn knee ligaments (cranial cruciate ligament rupture) underwent a surgery called single-stage bilateral tibial tuberosity advancement (SS-BTTA) to fix both knees at once. While this procedure is meant to help dogs recover from knee issues, it was found to have a higher risk of serious complications compared to a different surgery that only fixes one knee at a time. Specifically, about 12.5% of dogs had major complications after SS-BTTA, compared to just 2.3% for the other surgery. Pet owners should discuss the risks and benefits of these surgical options with their veterinarian.
People also search for: dog knee surgery complications · cranial cruciate ligament tear treatment · SS-BTTA surgery risks
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report complications in dogs with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament rupture following single-stage bilateral tibial tuberosity advancement (SS-BTTA) procedures, and to compare these complications to a population of dogs undergoing unilateral tibial tuberosity advancement (UTTA). METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of client-owned dogs treated with tibial tuberosity advancement between August 2008 and December 2011 were reviewed. Forty-four client-owned dogs with bilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture that underwent SS-BTTA procedures and 82 client-owned dogs that underwent UTTA procedures were randomly selected from our hospital population. Complications were recorded and analysed. Major complications were defined as fractures or any complication requiring a second surgery. Minor complications were any problem identified that did not require surgical management. RESULTS: Incidence for major and minor complications in the UTTA group was 2.3% and 24.4%, respectively. Incidence for major and minor complications in the SS-BTTA group was 12.5% and 26.1%, respectively. Single-stage bilateral tibial tuberosity advancement procedures had a four- to five-fold increase in odds of a major complication (p <0.050) compared to UTTA. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of our study indicate that SS-BTTA procedures are associated with an increased risk of major complications compared to UTTA procedures.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25899881/