Risk factors associated with fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
TPLO (n=168) on 142 dogs.


METHODS
Medical records (January 2006-September 2007) and radiographs of all dogs that had TPLO were reviewed. Data retrieved were breed, sex, age, weight, type of plate, use of a jig, time to recheck, preoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA), immediate postoperative TPA, and presence or absence of fibular fracture.


RESULTS
Fibular fractures occurred in 5.4% TPLOs. Body weight, change in TPA, and preoperative TPA were significantly higher in dogs with fibular fracture. TPLO without use of a jig was significantly associated with fibular fracture. Age, postoperative TPA, and plate type were not significantly associated with fibular fracture.


CONCLUSIONS
Fibular fracture is uncommon after TPLO. Risk factors are increased body weight, greater preoperative TPA, greater change in TPA, and TPLO performed without a jig. All fractures occurred during convalescence.


CONCLUSIONS
Owners should be warned of potential complications and risk factors associated for fibular fracture after TPLO.
Tuttle
Trent A
TA
Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
Manley
Paul A
PA
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome