Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Plate Design Influences Interfragmentary Compression: An In Vitro Study

To compare immediate, static interfragmentary compression patterns of three tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plate designs.TPLO was performed on 15 synthetic canine tibiae (SYNBONE AG, Switzerland) using 3D-printed guides. Compression was evaluated using pressure-sensitive films (Prescale, Fujifilm, UK). Three 3.5-mm TPLO plates were tested according to the manufacturer guidelines for dynamic compression screws placement: Synthes, Arthrex, and Biocurve. Each plate was tested five times using a new bone model. The interfragmentary surface was divided into quadrants: Q1 (craniomedial), Q2 (craniolateral), Q3 (caudomedial), and Q4 (caudolateral). Compression was classified as low (<0.12 MPa), moderate (0.12-0.25 MPa), or high (>0.25 MPa).Significant differences in overall interfragmentary compression were found among the plates (p < 0.001). The Biocurve plate generated the highest and most uniform compression (Q1: 0.285 ± 0.023 MPa; Q2: 0.304 ± 0.010 MPa; Q3: 0.220 ± 0.014 MPa; Q4: 0.237 ± 0.010 MPa). The Arthrex plate produced high compression in Q2 (0.292 ± 0.012 MPa) and moderate in other quadrants (Q1: 0.177 ± 0.016 MPa; Q3: 0.141 ± 0.011 MPa; Q4: 0.189 ± 0.013 MPa). The Synthes plate showed the lowest compression throughout (Q1: 0.050 ± 0.008 MPa; Q2: 0.075 ± 0.009 MPa; Q3: 0.111 ± 0.008 MPa; Q4: 0.109 ± 0.008 MPa).The Biocurve plate, with two angled dynamic compression screw holes, provided the highest, most uniform compression. Further studies are needed to assess clinical relevance.