Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Plate Contouring and Proximal Load Screw Angulation Affect Osteotomy Compression.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of contouring a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plate, the associated angulation of the dynamic compression plate (DCP) hole relative to the long axis of the tibia, and angulation of the screw relative to the DCP hole on the osteotomy compression generated by load screws in a TPLO model.


METHODS
In vitro biomechanical study.


METHODS
Polyoxymethylene (POM) rod and synthetic cortical bone substitute model (n = 9).


METHODS
The distal portion of a Slocum TPLO plate was attached to a horizontally positioned POM rod that was connected to a load cell. A segment of synthetic cortical bone substitute was attached to the end mount of the testing frame and adjusted to conform to the angle of the proximal portion of the TPLO plate. A 3.5 mm cortical bone screw was inserted in the proximal DCP hole and tightened to 1.5 Nm. The peak longitudinal load (N) was recorded. Screw insertion and data collection were repeated for proximal plate angles of 0-40° at 5° increments.


RESULTS
A significant increase in the compression generated was observed as the plate angle was increased from 0° to 10°. The compression ceased to significantly increase until the plate was bent more than 20°, after which a significant decrease in compression was noted. A marked reduction in the compression generated occurred at plate angles greater than 30°.


CONCLUSIONS
Angulation of the DCP hole and screw insertion angle can have deleterious effects on the magnitude of osteotomy compression.
Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Karl R
KR
Mathis
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Simon C
SC
Roe
Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Kenneth A
KA
Johnson
D000818:Animals; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary*; D008954:Models, Biological; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*