Does use of a jig influence the precision of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy surgery?
OBJECTIVE
To compare the precision of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery when performed with or without a jig.


METHODS
Cadaveric study.


METHODS
Cadaveric, adult greyhound hindlimbs (n=9 pair).


METHODS
TPLO (n=18) was performed on each limb pair; 1 with and 1 without use of a jig. Measurements taken from pre- and postsurgical radiographs were osteotomy position, tibial plateau angle (TPA), varus-valgus malalignment, and tibial torsion. The null hypothesis was that TPLO precision was not affected by use of a jig. Student's t-test was used to investigate differences in TPA, osteotomy location, and frequency and extent of iatrogenic limb malalignment; P<.05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in postsurgical TPA, tibial crest thickness, varus-valgus malalignment, or tibial torsion between TPLOs performed with or without a jig. Osteotomy location was significantly more distal when a jig was used (P=.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Jig use did not improve the precision of TPLO surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Performing TPLO without a jig should reduce surgery time, eliminate complications related to placement of the distal jig pin and allow unhindered positioning of the osteotomy.
Bell
Jonathan C
JC
Croft Veterinary Hospital, Blyth, Northumberland, UK.
Ness
Malcolm G
MG
D000818:Animals; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000662:veterinary*; D002102:Cadaver; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D013264:Stifle / Q000601:surgery*; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*