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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.

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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.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Almeida 2025 et al., on TPLO and partial CCL rupture, what effect did CCL remnant transection have on postoperative patellar ligament thickness?

A. Significantly reduced mid-thickness
B. Increased distal thickening
C. No significant difference vs control
D. Significantly increased all thicknesses
E. Prevented desmitis

Answer: No significant difference vs control

Explanation: Transection of the CCL remnant did not reduce PLT at any measured location.
In Almeida 2025 et al., on TPLO and partial CCL rupture, what impact did partial CCL rupture have on postoperative patellar ligament shortening?

A. Shortening prevented
B. Length increased
C. Significant correlation with degree of rupture
D. Shortening worsened
E. No significant effect

Answer: No significant effect

Explanation: Partial ruptures were not significantly protective against PLL shortening.
In Almeida 2025 et al., on TPLO and partial CCL rupture, which factor was positively correlated with increased ligament thickness?

A. Tibial tuberosity width
B. Body weight
C. Use of a jig
D. Tibial plateau rotation
E. Implant type

Answer: Tibial plateau rotation

Explanation: Higher degree of tibial rotation correlated with more thickening (PLT).
In Almeida 2025 et al., on TPLO and partial CCL rupture, what was the authors’ conclusion on CCL transection as a preventive for desmitis?

A. Strongly recommended to prevent thickening
B. Only effective in dogs over 30 kg
C. Recommended for high rupture percentage
D. Not recommended
E. Beneficial in meniscal tears

Answer: Not recommended

Explanation: Authors do not recommend routine CCL remnant transection to prevent patellar desmitis.
In Almeida 2025 et al., on TPLO and partial CCL rupture, where was the greatest increase in ligament thickness observed postoperatively?

A. Proximal
B. Over osteotomy
C. Midpoint
D. At insertion on tibia
E. Distal

Answer: Midpoint

Explanation: The largest increase in PLT was recorded at the midpoint of the patellar ligament.

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Effect of Cranial Cruciate Ligament Transection during TPLO on Patellar Desmitis in Dogs with Partial Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture