title: Accuracy of three pre- and intra-operative measurement techniques for osteotomy positioning in the tibial plateau levelling procedure.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To prospectively compare the accuracy of three preoperative measurement techniques in tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) planning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-nine dogs were randomly assigned to one of three measurement techniques; A, B or C. Surgeons measured the intended osteotomy location on preoperative radiographs according to the assigned technique. Measurements were used intra-operatively during osteotomy placement. Postoperative measurements were made by a single blinded observer and compared to preoperative measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-one dogs were included for final statistical analysis. The mean absolute differences between pre- and postoperative measurements was 1.72 mm ± 0.958, 1.79 mm ± 1.010, and 3.56 mm ± 1.839, for techniques A, B and C, respectively. No significant differences were identified for patient age, gender, limb or surgeon. Techniques A and B were not significantly different (p = 0.8799). Techniques A and B were significantly more accurate than C (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Weight was significantly different among the groups (p = 0.047) but the statistical results did not change when an adjustment was made for bodyweight (p = 0.4971, p <0.001 and p = 0.0007, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preoperative measuring for planning a TPLO osteotomy is recommended. Techniques A and B in the current study were clinically practical and significantly more accurate compared to technique C.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mossman
authors.affiliation: Dirsko J.F. von Pfeil, Dr.med.vet, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ECVS, Friendship Surgical Specialists of the Friendship Hospital for Animals, 4105 Brandywine Street NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States, Phone: +1 202 363 7300, Fax: +1 202 363 7126, E-mail: dvpfeil@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: D J F
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: von Pfeil
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nicholson
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Phelps
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bradley
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Langenbach
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D057234:Preoperative Period; D011859:Radiography; D013264:Stifle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Cranial cruciate ligament; accuracy; dog; stifle; tibial plateau levelling osteotomy