Material properties of and tissue reaction to the Slocum TPLO plate.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the material properties of Slocum TPLO plates and assess the soft tissue reaction adjacent to these plates in dogs that had undergone tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).


METHODS
3 new TPLO plates, 8 retrieved TPLO plates, and 1 new Synthes dynamic compression plate.


METHODS
Metallurgic analyses were performed. Tissue samples were obtained from areas adjacent to retrieved plates and submitted for histologic examination.


RESULTS
All of the TPLO plates had a 2-phase microstructure consisting of austenite and ferrite in various amounts. Residua, inclusions, and cavities were seen during microscopic examination of the plate surface. The major differences between new and retrieved TPLO plates were the presence of small gaps separating many inclusions from the surrounding matrix and the presence of various-sized pits on the surface of the retrieved plates. The dynamic compression plate had a nearly pure austenitic structure and was largely free from residua, inclusions, and cavities. Histologic examination of tissue samples obtained from areas adjacent to retrieved TPLO plates revealed intra- and extracellular particulate debris. Two types of particles (one consisting of chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and iron and the other consisting of aluminum and silicon) were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Results determined that new and retrieved TPLO plates were manufactured from 316L stainless steel and produced by a casting process, but not all plates met specifications for chemical composition of cast surgical implants (American Society for Testing Materials standard F745); tissues surrounding retrieved plates had evidence of adverse reactions, probably as a result of plate corrosion.
Boudrieau
Randy J
RJ
Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
McCarthy
Robert J
RJ
Sprecher
Christoph M
CM
Künzler
Tobias P
TP
Keating
John H
JH
Milz
Stefan
S
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D010027:Osteotomy; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials