Use of locking plate and screws for triple pelvic osteotomy

To evaluate the efficacy and complication rate associated with use of a purpose-specific locking triple pelvic osteotomy (LTPO) plate.

Prospective study.

Dogs (n = 9; 15 hips).

Physical examination, plain film radiography, computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis, and coxofemoral arthroscopy were performed before unilateral triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) or staged bilateral TPO. Radiographs were taken after each procedure and 3-5, 6-8, and ≥12 weeks postoperatively. Pelvic width was measured at 3 locations to evaluate pelvic canal narrowing.

No screw loosening occurred. Complications occurred in only 1 hip (7%) where pullout of the locking plate-screw construct from the caudal iliac segment occurred because of a fracture of the cis-cortex; the dog made a full recovery after a salvage procedure. There was no significant reduction in the cranial pelvic width but a small reduction at the level of the acetabuli and ischiatic tuberosities was noted 3-5 weeks after the 2nd TPO.

The LTPO plate was associated with a lower complication rate than previously reported for TPOs using Slocum canine pelvic osteotomy plates (CPOP) and warrants further investigation. Pullout of the caudal plate-screw construct is a complication specific to LTPO implants. Bicortical screw purchase is recommended to prevent fracture of the cis-cortex and implant pullout.