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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2774-3935
Clinical Communication

Construct Failure Following Cranial Closing Wedge Osteotomy of Canine Tibia Using Locking Plates

Authors

  • Francesca Tirillini

    1   University of Ghent, Small Animal Department, Merelbeke, Belgium

  • Stephen Clarke

    2   Orthopedic Department, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull, United Kingdom

  • Jonathan Pink

    2   Orthopedic Department, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull, United Kingdom

  • Alexis Bilmont

    2   Orthopedic Department, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull, United Kingdom

  • Toby Gemmill

    2   Orthopedic Department, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull, United Kingdom

  • Kinley Smith

    2   Orthopedic Department, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Solihull, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Objective

The objective of this study is to report radiographic description and outcome of construct failure following cranial closing wedge osteotomy (CCWO) using locking plates in dogs.

Study Design

Medical records and radiographs of dogs with construct failure after CCWO presented at a single institution were reviewed retrospectively. Signalment, history, implants used in initial surgery, time between CCWO surgery and failure, time between initial and revision surgery, cause of failure, and revision details were recorded. Radiographs were reviewed to measure pre- and postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) and cortical alignment. Clinical outcomes and complications following revision were noted in short-term follow-up (<6 months).

Results

Ten dogs met the inclusion criteria. In all cases, CCWO was initially performed with locking implants. There were no intraoperative complications; two cases had superficial surgical site infection (SSI) after CCWO. Time from surgery to failure was a median of 10 days (4–87). Nine fractures were described, all in the proximal tibia; one case had screw loosening with loss of osteotomy reduction. Multiple failure patterns were identified. Nine of 10 cases underwent surgical revision: one developed SSI. One case was treated conservatively. At follow-up, 9/10 had no or very mild lameness.

Conclusion

Construct failure is a potential complication after CCWO using locking plates. Revision surgery is often required, and a good outcome can be expected. Further studies are necessary to investigate specific risk factors and incidence.

Keywords

cranial cruciate ligament disease - cranial closing wedge osteotomy - tibial fractures - locking plates - dogs

Contributors' Statement

K.S. and F.T. contributed to the conception of study and study design. All authors contributed to acquisition and interpretation of data, drafting, revision, and approval the submitted manuscript.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 05 February 2025

Accepted: 16 December 2025

Article published online:
05 January 2026

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