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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2025; 38(01): 034-040
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788908
Original Research

Evaluation of Osteotomy Healing in Boxer Dogs Undergoing Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy Using Two Radiographic Scoring Systems

Yael Huerta 
1   Department of Surgery, Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States
,
Barbro Filliquist 
2   Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States
,
Kimberly A. Agnello
3   Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
,
Jason A. Syrcle
3   Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
,
Po-Yen Chou 
2   Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States
,
Tanya C. Garcia
2   Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, United States
,
Anna M. Massie 
3   Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to (1) compare 5-point and 10-point bone healing radiographic scoring systems using postoperative tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) radiographs and (2) determine whether Boxer osteotomy healing time differs from age-matched Labrador Retrievers.

Study Design This was a multicentre retrospective study. Fifty-eight client-owned dogs undergoing TPLO (29 Boxers and 29 Labrador Retrievers) were included. Five board-certified surgeons evaluated the radiographs three independent times. Osteotomy healing approximately 8 weeks postoperatively was graded using previously reported 5-point and 10-point scoring systems and immediate postoperative radiographs were assessed for the presence of an osteotomy gap of ≥1 mm.

Results Both scoring systems had good consistency among observers. Intraobserver consistency was good in three out of five observers using the 5-point system and in four out of five observers using the 10-point system. Boxers had significantly lower radiographic healing scores at 8 weeks postoperatively compared with Labrador Retrievers using both scoring systems (p ≤ 0.001). The presence of an osteotomy gap postoperatively resulted in significantly lower healing scores at 8 weeks using both scoring systems (p < 0.001) in both breeds.

Conclusion No difference was found in inter- and intraobserver variability between scoring systems. Boxer dogs had lower healing scores at 8 weeks after TPLO compared with Labrador Retrievers. An osteotomy gap of ≥1 mm was associated with lower healing scores.

Keywords

Boxer dogs - tibial plateau levelling osteotomy - cranial cruciate ligament disease - bone healing - radiographic scoring system

Authors' Contribution

The study design was developed by Y.H., A.M.M., and B.F. All authors participated in the data acquisition and manuscript preparation. B.F., K.A.A., J.A.S., P-Y.C., and A.M.M. performed the radiographic evaluation. T.C.G. performed the statistical analysis. All authors reviewed and approved the submitted manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 17 February 2024

Accepted: 18 July 2024

Article published online:
09 August 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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