Influence of fixation systems on complications after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs greater than 45.4 kilograms (100 lb).

Abstract

To determine the influence of 3 fixation systems on complications rate after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs >45.4 kg. Retrospective case series. Dogs (N = 287, 342 stifles) >45.4 kg with cranial cruciate ligament tear treated with TPLO. The medical records of dogs treated with TPLO were reviewed for fixation and postoperative complications, with a follow-up of at least 6 weeks. A random effects logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the type of TPLO fixation system and complications. The fixation systems included a 3.5-mm broad TPLO plate alone (8P; 78.4%), a 3.5-mm broad TPLO plate with SOP (String of Pearls) plate (8AP; 14.9%), and a 3.5-mm standard TPLO plate (6P; 6.7%). Among the included stifles, 214 (62.6%) fixation systems were classified as locking, and 128 (37.4%) were classified as nonlocking. The fixation system was predictive of complications. The 8P had the lowest odds ratio for complication among the 3 fixation systems. Odds of developing complications were higher with the 8AP fixation system than with the 8P fixation system. Locking fixation eliminated the association between weight and complication rate. Fixation of a TPLO with the 8AP increased the risk of complications compared with the 8P in this population of large dogs. Locking fixation of TPLO with a 3.5-mm broad TPLO plate alone should be considered in large dogs because it may reduce complications.