Prevalence of proximal tibial radiolucencies in dogs affected by cranial cruciate ligament disease: a retrospective radiographic evaluation

Proximal tibial radiolucencies identified on mediolateral radiographs of certain canine stifles have been described in a single prior study and were proposed to represent retained cartilage cores. In the affected dogs, an association with medial patellar luxation and a decreased odds of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) was found. Our retrospective study aimed to determine the prevalence of proximal tibial radiolucencies in a population of dogs, predominantly affected by CCLR. Mediolateral radiographs of single or both stifles from 110 dogs presented for CCRL at the veterinary hospital of the University of Padova between 2019 and 2026 were reviewed for the presence or absence of proximal tibial radiolucency. When identified, lesions were graded using a three-point scoring system based on diameter and severity of radiolucency. In our study, proximal tibial radiolucency was identified in a higher proportion of dogs than in the previously reported study. The relatively high prevalence observed in dogs with CCLR suggests a potentially different association than previously described. Further investigations are warranted to clarify the underlying etiology and clinical significance of these radiographic findings, particularly in dogs with high-grade proximal tibial lesions that may undergo tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for the management of CCL disease.