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Risk factors associated with fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy

Trent A Tuttle¹, Paul A Manley

¹Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.

Veterinary Surgery : VS

|July 4, 2009

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs.

Study Design:

Case series.

Sample Population:

TPLO (n=168) on 142 dogs.

Methods:

Medical records (January 2006-September 2007) and radiographs of all 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.

Results:

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.

Conclusions:

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

Clinical Relevance:

Owners should be warned of potential complications and risk factors associated for fibular fracture after TPLO.

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