Innovative triangular cutting guide in cranial tibial wedge osteotomy in dogs with a cranial cruciate ligament rupture

Abstract

Damage of the cranial cruciate ligament is a frequent cause of limb lameness in dogs. The aim of the study was to present the usefulness of a new guide for the blade of the oscillating saw in the Cranial Tibial Wedge Osteotomy (CTWO) technique. CTWO procedures using a proprietary triangular guide were performed on 62 dogs of both sexes. Radiological evaluation of the formation of bone scars in the Hammer scale showed that 3 months after the surgery most patients had a solid 2nd or 3rd degree of osteotomy consolidation. Lameness rating by the Functional Stifle Scale showed an improvement in the clinical condition of the dogs. This was reflected in the opinions of the owners expressed in Canine Brief Pain Inventory questionnaires, as presented in the chart. Values of the Pearson and Kendall correlation coefficients and statistical significance coefficients confirmed the relationship between the owners’ satisfaction and the results of the therapy and improvement in clinical trials. The triangular guide of the oscillating saw blade facilitates the transfer of the osteotomy angle determined on a digital radiogram onto the operating field, ensures precise orthogonal osteotomy incisions in the course of CTWO, significantly affects the time of callus formation, and accelerates the recovery of limb function.