Effect of a Locking Triple Pelvic Osteotomy Plate on Screw Loosening in 26 Dogs

Abstract

To evaluate the complication rate of the double (DPO) and triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) procedure (unilateral and bilateral) with a locking purpose-specific plate. Retrospective case series Dogs (n = 26; 38 hips) Medical records (January 2007-January 2011) of dogs that had unilateral or bilateral DPO or TPO were evaluated. Signalment, age, body weight, estimated preoperative subluxation and reduction angles, lameness, and complications were evaluated. Follow-up radiographs were evaluated for implant loosening or failure, femoral head coverage (FCH), pelvic dimensions, and radiographic evidence of healing. Screw loosening occurred in 1 of 266 (0.4%) screws placed and in 1 of 38 hips (2.6%). The rate of screw loosening was significantly lower than previously reported. Only 1 hip (2.6%) developed a major complication. Minor complications involving implants occurred in 2 hips (5.3%). Three to 5 locking screws were used per plate. There was a significant increase in FCH and Norberg angle (NA) compared with preoperative values. No clinically significant change in pelvic canal dimensions measured at 3 locations was identified. Locking 7-hole TPO plates with 3-5 locking screws resulted in a lower rate of major and minor implant associated complications than the reported complication rate for conventional 6-hole plates. En bloc pullout of the caudal aspect of the plate is an infrequent but repeatable complication associated with the locking TPO implant.