Summary
Objective:To retrospectively evaluate mediolateral translation of the proximal tibial segment
(tibial plateau) after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO), stabilised with
three types of plate.
Method: Pre- and postoperative radiographs of 79 dogs that had TPLO surgery using three different
types of plates were reviewed. Two plate types incorporated non-locking screws: Slocum
(22 cases) and Orthomed Delta (33 cases) plates. The third plate type incorporated
locking screws: Synthes TPLO Locking Compression Plate (LCP) (24 cases). The radio-graphs
were viewed by three Diplomate surgeons who were blinded to the type of implant used.
Medial or lateral translation of the proximal tibial plateau relative to the tibial
diaphysis was assessed and measured at the lateral tibial cortex at the osteotomy
site.
Results: Mean lateral translation of the tibial plateau was significantly greater when using
the Synthes TPLO LCP with locking screws (+2.1 mm) compared to the non-locking Slocum
(+0.4 mm) or Orthomed Delta (0.0 mm) plates.
Clinical significance: The use of the Synthes TPLO LCP will maintain a malalignment of the tibial plateau.
Accurate alignment of the tibial plateau must be ensured prior to application of the
Synthes TPLO LCP.
Keywords
Tibial plateau - translation - osteotomy - locking plate