Picavet et al: Radiographic assessment of popliteal sesamoid position and cranial tibial subluxation in canine stifle joints undergoing TPLO: A retrospective study of 163 dogs
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2026

🔍 Key Findings

Popliteal sesamoid displacement (PSD) was identified in 14.4% of dogs with CCLD on preoperative 90° flexion radiographs, indicating it is an uncommon but notable radiographic finding.
Dogs with PSD had significantly greater cranial tibial subluxation (CTS) preoperatively compared with dogs without PSD.
Popliteal sesamoid reduction occurred in 100% of cases after TPLO, suggesting that proper TPLO mechanics restore normal sesamoid position.
Postoperative CTS persisted in all dogs that had preoperative CTS (50.3%), although the magnitude of subluxation was significantly reduced after TPLO.
Osteotomy positioning (centered vs distally centered) did not significantly influence postoperative CTS, indicating residual translation is not strongly affected by osteotomy placement.
Postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) showed a weak negative correlation with residual CTS, suggesting lower TPAs may slightly reduce postoperative tibial translation.
PSD appears to be associated with more pronounced stifle instability prior to surgery, serving as a radiographic indicator of more severe CCLD biomechanics.
Radiographic evaluation of popliteal sesamoid reduction may provide an additional objective indicator of residual cranio-caudal instability following TPLO.

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Picavet et al: Radiographic assessment of popliteal sesamoid position and cranial tibial subluxation in canine stifle joints undergoing TPLO: A retrospective study of 163 dogs
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2026

🔍 Key Findings

Popliteal sesamoid displacement (PSD) was identified in 14.4% of dogs with CCLD on preoperative 90° flexion radiographs, indicating it is an uncommon but notable radiographic finding.
Dogs with PSD had significantly greater cranial tibial subluxation (CTS) preoperatively compared with dogs without PSD.
Popliteal sesamoid reduction occurred in 100% of cases after TPLO, suggesting that proper TPLO mechanics restore normal sesamoid position.
Postoperative CTS persisted in all dogs that had preoperative CTS (50.3%), although the magnitude of subluxation was significantly reduced after TPLO.
Osteotomy positioning (centered vs distally centered) did not significantly influence postoperative CTS, indicating residual translation is not strongly affected by osteotomy placement.
Postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) showed a weak negative correlation with residual CTS, suggesting lower TPAs may slightly reduce postoperative tibial translation.
PSD appears to be associated with more pronounced stifle instability prior to surgery, serving as a radiographic indicator of more severe CCLD biomechanics.
Radiographic evaluation of popliteal sesamoid reduction may provide an additional objective indicator of residual cranio-caudal instability following TPLO.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Picavet 2026 et al., on sesamoid displacement radiography, which radiographic finding was significantly associated with popliteal sesamoid displacement?

A. Increased tibial plateau angle

B. Reduced stifle opening angle

C. Greater cranial tibial subluxation

D. Distal femoral varus

E. Medial patellar luxation

Answer: Greater cranial tibial subluxation

Explanation: Dogs with popliteal sesamoid displacement had significantly higher cranial tibial subluxation preoperatively.

In Picavet 2026 et al., on sesamoid displacement radiography, what was the reported prevalence of popliteal sesamoid displacement in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease on preoperative 90° flexion radiographs?

A. 2.5%

B. 14.4%

C. 28%

D. 50.3%

E. 72%

Answer: 14.4%

Explanation: The study found popliteal sesamoid displacement in 14.4% of dogs with CCLD on preoperative radiographs.

In Picavet 2026 et al., on sesamoid displacement radiography, which factor was NOT found to significantly influence postoperative cranial tibial subluxation?

A. Osteotomy localization

B. Tibial plateau angle

C. Cranial cruciate ligament rupture severity

D. Preoperative cranial tibial subluxation

E. Popliteal sesamoid displacement

Answer: Osteotomy localization

Explanation: The study found no significant association between osteotomy positioning and postoperative CTS.

In Picavet 2026 et al., on sesamoid displacement radiography, what occurred to popliteal sesamoid displacement following TPLO surgery?

A. It persisted in most cases

B. It resolved in approximately half of cases

C. It resolved in all evaluated cases

D. It worsened in dogs with high TPA

E. It was unaffected by surgery

Answer: It resolved in all evaluated cases

Explanation: The study reported 100% reduction of popliteal sesamoid displacement following TPLO.

In Picavet 2026 et al., on sesamoid displacement radiography, how frequently did cranial tibial subluxation persist after TPLO in dogs that had preoperative subluxation?

A. Never persisted

B. Approximately 25% of cases

C. About 50% of cases

D. All affected dogs but at reduced magnitude

E. Only when osteotomy was distalized

Answer: All affected dogs but at reduced magnitude

Explanation: All dogs with preoperative CTS still had postoperative CTS, although the degree was significantly reduced.

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