Summary
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of proximal tibial epiphysiodesis
to reduce the tibial plateau slope in young dogs with cranial cruciale ligament (CCL)
deficient stifles. Of the 14 treated dogs, eight had a bilateral injury, for a total
of 22 joints. After physical and radiographical examination and measurement of tibial
plateau slope, all of the dogs underwent surgery. Insertion of the screw was placed
in the most proximal part of the tibial plateau, in its medio-lateral centre, aiming
to the tibial shaft and using a K wire predriven as a guide; correct position of the
screw was confirmed with intraoperative fluoroscopy or radiography. In all of the
dogs the tibial slope was decreased at the time of physis fusion and the degree of
change depended on the age and the breed of the dog at the time of surgery. The minimum
change was 4° and the maximum was 24°. There was a statistically significant difference
between tibial slope measured before surgery compared to tibial slope measured at
the last follow-up visit after surgery. This study shows that the partial proximal
tibial fusion in dogs with ACL injuries was effective in reducing the tibial slope
during the residual growing time to such an extent to stabilize the joint, provided
that the surgery had been carried out when there was still residual growing potential.
The technique appeared to be mini-invasive and malalignment complications could be
avoided by correct and precise insertion of the screw.
Keywords
Tibial plateau slope - partial epiphysiodesis - cranial - cruciate ligament injuries
- growing dogs
