Change in tibial plateau angle after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the change in tibial plateau angle (TPA) during healing after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) performed for cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency in dogs and to examine factors that may be associated with the change.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
One hundred and forty-nine canine stifles after TPLO procedure.


METHODS
Records of dogs that had TPLO were reviewed. Patient age, weight, sex, breed, pre- and postoperative TPA, recheck TPA, time to recheck, type of implant used, and radiographic evidence of healing were analyzed.


RESULTS
Mean time to recheck evaluation was 46 days (range, 28-65 days). Mean difference between immediate postoperative and recheck TPA measurements was 1.5 degrees (range, -3 to 9 degrees). Recheck TPA was a significantly greater (numerically higher) than immediate postoperative TPA (P<.0001). There was no significant effect of patient weight, type of plate used, or healing status of the osteotomy at the time of recheck. No correlation between pre- or postoperative TPA angles and change in TPA angle was detected.


CONCLUSIONS
TPA changes during osteotomy healing after TPLO, but factors influencing this change were not identified.


CONCLUSIONS
TPA may increase during healing after TPLO despite apparently adequate osteotomy fixation. The clinical relevance of this increase is unknown but is likely minimal.
Moeller
E Michael
EM
Georgia Veterinary Specialists, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Cross
Alan R
AR
Rapoff
Andrew J
AJ
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*