Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Complications after triple tibial osteotomy surgery in dogs with knee
By Moles, A D et al.·Published in Veterinary and comparative orthopaedics and traumatology : V.C.O.T·2009·Murdoch University Veterinary Hospital, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Triple tibial osteotomy for treatment of the canine cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle joint. Surgical findings and postoperative complications in 97 stifles.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with knee problems due to a torn cranial cruciate ligament underwent a surgery called triple tibial osteotomy (TTO) to help stabilize their joints. After the surgery, about 23% of the dogs experienced complications, such as fractures and tendonitis, particularly in older dogs. Despite the use of implants during the procedure, these did not prevent some of the common issues like tibial crest avulsion (where part of the bone pulls away). Overall, while TTO can be effective, pet owners should be aware of the potential for complications, especially in older dogs.
People also search for: dog knee surgery complications · cranial cruciate ligament tear treatment · triple tibial osteotomy recovery time
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical findings and early post-operative complications of triple tibial osteotomy (TTO) for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament disruption in dogs. METHODS: Clinical records of 84 dogs (97 stifles) that had TTO procedures were reviewed. Surgical findings and postoperative complications were assessed. A complication was defined as any undesirable outcome resulting from TTO that required further diagnostic investigation or surgical treatment. RESULTS: Mean tibial wedge angle was 13.6 degrees (range 10-20). Incomplete tibial crest osteotomy was achieved in 79% of TTO procedures. Implants were placed in the tibial crest in 67% of stifles. Early postoperative complications occurred in 23% of joints, and included avulsion of the tibial crest (9.1%), fracture at the distal cortical attachment of the tibial crest (6.2%), fibula fracture (4.1%), patellar tendonitis (3.1%), late meniscal injury (3.1%), implant complications (3.1%) and patellar fracture (2.1%). Increased patient age (p = 0.023), increased wedge angle (p = 0.009) and intra-operative fracturing of the cranial tibial cortex (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with postoperative tibial crest avulsion. Implants did not prevent tibial crest avulsion. Increased patient age (p = 0.012) was significantly associated with tibial crest fracture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tibial crest avulsion and fracture are the most common postoperative complications for TTO. Late meniscal injury is uncommon after TTO.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19876525/