title: Novel TPLO Alignment Jig/Saw Guide Reproduces Freehand and Ideal Osteotomy Positions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the ability of an alignment jig/saw guide to reproduce appropriate osteotomy positions in the tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in the dog.
  
  
  METHODS
  Lateral radiographs of 65 clinical TPLO procedures using an alignment jig and freehand osteotomy performed by experienced TPLO surgeons using a 24 mm radial saw blade between Dec 2005-Dec 2007 and Nov 2013-Nov 2015 were reviewed. The freehand osteotomy position was compared to potential osteotomy positions using the alignment jig/saw guide. The proximal and distal jig pin holes on postoperative radiographs were used to align the jig to the bone; saw guide position was selected to most closely match the osteotomy performed. The guide-to-osteotomy fit was categorized by the distance between the actual osteotomy and proposed saw guide osteotomy at its greatest offset (≤1 mm = excellent; ≤2 mm = good; ≤3 mm = satisfactory; >3 mm = poor).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-four of 65 TPLO osteotomies could be matched satisfactorily by the saw guide. Proximal jig pin placement 3-4 mm from the joint surface and pin location in a craniocaudal plane on the proximal tibia were significantly associated with the guide-to-osteotomy fit (P = 0.021 and P = 0.047, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The alignment jig/saw guide can be used to reproduce appropriate freehand osteotomy position for TPLO. Furthermore, an ideal osteotomy position centered on the tibial intercondylar tubercles also is possible. Accurate placement of the proximal jig pin is a crucial step for correct positioning of the saw guide in either instance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America.
authors.forename: Abigail D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Mariano
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Kowaleski
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, United States of America.
authors.forename: Randy J
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2987-2668
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Boudrieau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001858:Bone Nails; D004285:Dogs; D007719:Knee Joint; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*