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Huerta et al: Evaluation of Osteotomy Healing in Boxer Dogs Undergoing Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy Using Two Radiographic Scoring Systems
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Population: 29 Boxer dogs and 29 age-matched Labrador Retrievers undergoing TPLO.
Scoring Systems Compared: 5-point vs. 10-point radiographic healing systems.
Healing Scores (Week 8):

  • Boxers: 5-point mean = 3.3; 10-point mean = 6.9
  • Labradors: 5-point mean = 3.6; 10-point mean = 7.5
  • → Statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003 and p < 0.0001)

Osteotomy Gap ≥1 mm (present in 16.4%): Associated with significantly lower healing scores and increased recommendations for additional radiographic follow-up (p < 0.0001).
Observer Reliability:

  • Both systems = good interobserver consistency.
  • Slightly better intraobserver consistency with the 10-point scale.

Clinical Implication: Boxer dogs may need extended healing time or altered follow-up strategy after TPLO.

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

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Huerta et al: Evaluation of Osteotomy Healing in Boxer Dogs Undergoing Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy Using Two Radiographic Scoring Systems
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Population: 29 Boxer dogs and 29 age-matched Labrador Retrievers undergoing TPLO.
Scoring Systems Compared: 5-point vs. 10-point radiographic healing systems.
Healing Scores (Week 8):

  • Boxers: 5-point mean = 3.3; 10-point mean = 6.9
  • Labradors: 5-point mean = 3.6; 10-point mean = 7.5
  • → Statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003 and p < 0.0001)

Osteotomy Gap ≥1 mm (present in 16.4%): Associated with significantly lower healing scores and increased recommendations for additional radiographic follow-up (p < 0.0001).
Observer Reliability:

  • Both systems = good interobserver consistency.
  • Slightly better intraobserver consistency with the 10-point scale.

Clinical Implication: Boxer dogs may need extended healing time or altered follow-up strategy after TPLO.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Huerta 2025 et al., on TPLO healing assessment, what was the impact of a gap ≥1 mm on clinical recommendations?

A. No follow-up required
B. Immediate surgical revision
C. Allowed early return to activity
D. More likely to recommend repeat radiographs at 8 weeks
E. No difference in recommendations

Answer: More likely to recommend repeat radiographs at 8 weeks

Explanation: Surgeons were more likely to recommend further follow-up when an osteotomy gap ≥1 mm was present
In Huerta 2025 et al., on TPLO healing assessment, what effect did a postoperative osteotomy gap ≥1 mm have on healing scores?

A. Improved healing
B. No measurable difference
C. Significantly lower scores
D. Only affected Boxer dogs
E. Improved scores in Labradors

Answer: Significantly lower scores

Explanation: Both scoring systems showed significantly lower 8-week healing scores when a gap ≥1 mm was present
In Huerta 2025 et al., on TPLO healing assessment, what was concluded about the use of 5- vs 10-point scoring systems?

A. 5-point was superior
B. 10-point was unreliable
C. No significant difference between systems
D. 10-point system was mandatory
E. 5-point system was discontinued

Answer: No significant difference between systems

Explanation: There was no statistical difference in scoring reliability between the two systems
In Huerta 2025 et al., on TPLO healing assessment, how did the 10-point scoring system compare to the 5-point system?

A. Had worse consistency
B. Had better intraobserver consistency
C. Was preferred by surgeons
D. Significantly underestimated healing
E. Produced higher healing scores

Answer: Had better intraobserver consistency

Explanation: The 10-point system had good consistency in 4/5 surgeons versus 3/5 for the 5-point system
In Huerta 2025 et al., on TPLO healing assessment, which breed had significantly lower healing scores at 8 weeks?

A. Labrador Retrievers
B. Boxer dogs
C. Golden Retrievers
D. Bulldogs
E. German Shepherds

Answer: Boxer dogs

Explanation: Boxers had lower radiographic healing scores than Labradors with both scoring systems (p < 0.001)

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