Almeida et al: Effect of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Transection during TPLO on Patellar Desmitis in Dogs with Partial Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology 4, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

• Transecting the CCL remnant during TPLO did not reduce patellar ligament thickening (PLT) at any measured point (proximal, mid, distal).
• Transection also failed to reduce postoperative patellar ligament shortening (PLL) at 6 weeks.
• Both groups (transected vs non-transected) showed significant thickening and shortening, with greatest PLT increase at the midpoint.
• Increased PLT was positively correlated with tibial plateau rotation (p = 0.02) and postoperative TPA (p = 0.04).
• No correlation between TT-O (tibial tuberosity width index) and PLT, suggesting narrow osteotomies did not influence PLT in this population.
• Partial CCL rupture was not significantly protective; dogs with partial tears still developed ligament thickening.
• Post-TPLO mid-patellar ligament thickening may relate to Gelpi retractor placement and osteotomy mechanics rather than CCL status.
• Authors do not recommend CCL transection during TPLO to prevent desmitis, citing possible increased instability and degeneration.