Comparing the Functional Recovery of Dogs Undergoing TPLO Surgery with Stifle Arthroscopy or Arthrotomy: A Pilot Study

Introduction: We hypothesize that canine stifle arthroscopy and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) patients will have less morbidity after surgery compared with arthrotomy and TPLO patients. Our study objectives were to evaluate and compare recoveries in dogs with CrCL ruptures following TPLO with arthroscopy or arthrotomy over an 8-week-study period.

Materials and Methods: 20 dogs presenting for unilateral CrCL rupture were to be enrolled into the study and then randomly assigned to one of two study groups; Group 1: arthroscopy, Group 2: arthrotomy. Patients underwent surgery at time 0. At baseline (2 weeks prior) and times 1, 7, 14, 28, and 56 days after surgery, force plate analysis and accelerometer data were obtained while blinded veterinary assessors performed goniometry and MGPS assessments. The Canine Brief Pain Index (CBPI) was completed in every 2 weeks. Statistical significance was p < 0.05.

Results: 18 dogs qualified for the study. There were no significant differences between treatment groups evaluated with any objective measurements or the MGPS. There was a significant difference reported for a single time point between Group 1 (arthroscopy) and Group 2 (arthrotomy) for CBPI evaluated pain and activity. Objective data trends were noted between Group 1 and Group 2 for pain and function.

Discussion/Conclusion: Based on the results of this study we conclude that patients undergoing stifle arthroscopy or arthrotomy with a TPLO surgery would be expected to have equivalent recoveries related to function and pain during the first 8 weeks after surgery.

Acknowledgment: The investigators declare no conflicts of interest. Funding provided by Canine Health Foundation-AKC.

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