Content continues after advertisement

Cruciate Surgery Complications: Pelvic Limb Lameness

Jason Bleedorn, DVM, DACVS, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Orthopedics

|August 2017|Peer Reviewed

Sign in to Print/View PDF

Figure 1 Orthogonal radiographs of the left stifle joint 6 weeks after tibial tuberosity advancement

THE CASE

A 4-year-old neutered male Labrador retriever is presented for lameness in the left pelvic limb. Another veterinarian previously diagnosed cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture and performed a tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) 6 weeks before presentation. The otherwise healthy patient did well for 4 weeks postoperatively, then became acutely more lame in the operated limb.

The general physical examination is considered normal, aside from signs of the recent surgery (ie, shaved left pelvic limb, a healing surgical scar over the medial aspect of the proximal tibia). Orthopedic examination reveals a grade 4 of 5 (ie, toe-touching) left pelvic limb lameness at a walk and trot. The patient abducts and externally rotates the left stifle during gait and shifts weight off of this limb while standing. There is moderate muscle atrophy of the left pelvic limb and joint effusion of the left stifle. An implant is palpable along the proximal medial tibia with a prominent tibial tuberosity.

Mild discomfort and crepitus can be noted on passive range of motion of the left stifle. There is positive cranial drawer but negative cranial tibial thrust of the left stifle. There is mild effusion of the right stifle joint; otherwise, no pain, instability, or limitations on passive range of motion are appreciated. The dog is sedated, and radiographs of the left stifle joint are obtained (Figure 1).

What are the next steps?

Choice 1

Suspicious of a meniscal tear, you recommend revision surgery to re-explore the left stifle joint.

Choice 2

Suspicious of infection, you perform arthrocentesis of the left stifle joint.

CrCL = cranial cruciate ligament, TPLO = tibial-plateauleveling osteotomy, TTA = tibial tuberosity advancement

References and Author Information

For global readers, a calculator to convert laboratory values, dosages, and other measurements to SI units can be found here.

All Clinician's Brief content is reviewed for accuracy at the time of publication. Previously published content may not reflect recent developments in research and practice.

Material from Clinician's Brief may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in whole or in part without prior permission of Educational Concepts, LLC. For questions or inquiries please contact us.

Podcasts

Clinician's Brief:
The Podcast
Listen as host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with the authors of your favorite Clinician’s Brief articles. Dig deeper and explore the conversations behind the content here.
Clinician's Brief provides relevant diagnostic and treatment information for small animal practitioners. It has been ranked the #1 most essential publication by small animal veterinarians for 9 years.*

*2007-2017 PERQ and Essential Media Studies

© 2023 Educational Concepts, L.L.C. dba Brief Media ™ All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions | DMCA Copyright | Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy