Laurie's Blogs.

Okay… I think I know the answer to this one already.  But, I do love when research confirms what I have been finding.

Here, this research group followed 8 adult dogs (4 French Bull Dogs and 4 Pit Bull Terriers) .  One Frenchie had a TPLO and three others were controls; 2 Pitties has TPLO surgery and two others were controls.

Methods:

A motion capture setup consisting of a 10-camera system was used to capture motion data.  Three-dimensional (3D) angular motions of the hip, stifle, and tarsal joints—including flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and rotations—were computed and compared.

Results:

     •  In Case 1, the TPLO case in the French Bulldog showed differences in hip, stifle, and tarsal flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and internal-external rotation. Asymmetries between affected and unaffected limbs were also detected in hip and stifle motions (up to 43◦ in (up to 43◦ in some cases).

     •  Pit Bull Terriers Case 2 and Case 3, with significant variations in hip, stifle, and tarsal movements. 

     •  Case 3 did not show hip asymmetries, but notable stifle and tarsal asymmetries were observed.

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that natural hind limb kinematics during gait were not fully restored in TPLO hind limbs in either breed. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of TPLO techniques and patient factors on optimizing TPLO limb kinematics during gait.

My Thoughts:

Well, lots to pick apart with this study.  Numbers being the main thing.  However, this is what I call a ‘stepping stone study’.  What I mean, is that this study can be used to launch a bigger similar study, and/or used as a discussion study when analyzing data from another study.

So, it is what it is, and while not a robust study, does confirm what I see and what I imagine you see as well.  TPLO does not restore normal kinematic function of a leg.

There you go.  That is all!

Until next time… Cheers!

Laurie