A prospective evaluation of the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on patellar ligament desmitis following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy

Introduction: Inflammation of the patellar ligament has been reported as a common complication following the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) procedure. This inflammation of the patellar ligament can range from asymptomatic radiographic thickening to clinical desmitis. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a relatively new treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions, including tendon and ligament injuries. Based on the favorable results reported in the treatment of soft-tissue injuries in equine patients, we believed its use in the treatment of patellar desmitis following TPLO should be investigated. Our null hypothesis was that ESWT following TPLO would have no effect on patellar ligament inflammation as assessed by radiographic thickening of the ligament and ultrasonographic fiber disruption.