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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2012; 25(05): 349-358
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-11-09-0122
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Complications of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy in dogs

M. S. Bergh
1   Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
,
B. Peirone
2   School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 01 September 2011

Accepted 10 March 2012

Publication Date:
18 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

The tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is one of the most common surgical procedures used to treat cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs. Complications occurring during or after TPLO can range in severity from swelling and bruising to fracture and osteomyelitis. Ten to 34% of TPLO surgical procedures are reported to experience a complication and approximately two to four percent require revision surgery to address a complication. Although the risk factors for many complications have not been fully assessed, the best available evidence suggests that complications of TPLO can be reduced with increased surgeon experience, careful surgical planning, and accurate execution of the surgical procedure. Identification of known or suspected risk factors and intraoperative technical errors allow subsequent action to be taken that is aimed at decreasing postoperative morbidity. There is a need for prospective studies with consistent data reporting in order to fully reveal the incidence risk factors for complications associated with TPLO.

Keywords

Cranial cruciate ligament rupture - complication - surgery - review - outcomes
 

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