TPLO

A study done by Trent Tuttle DVM and Paul Manley DVM at the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Veterinary Medicine found Fibular fracture is uncommon after TPLO, however, is a risk that wwners should be aware of after TPLO.

Medical records (January 2006–September 2007) and radiographs on 142 dogs that had TPLO were reviewed. Data retrieved were breed, sex, age, weight, type of plate, use of a jig, time to recheck, preoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA), immediate postoperative TPA, and presence or absence of fibular fracture.

Fibular fractures occurred in 5.4% TPLOs. Body weight, change in TPA, and preoperative TPA were significantly higher in dogs with fibular fracture. TPLO without use of a jig was significantly associated with fibular fracture. Age, postoperative TPA, and plate type were not significantly associated with fibular fracture.

Risk factors are increased body weight, greater preoperative TPA, greater change in TPA, and TPLO performed without a jig. All fractures occurred during convalescence.

For full details on this study see http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122297366/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0