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

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Canine Surgical Procedures
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Cranial closing wedge osteotomy (CCWO) is a surgical technique used in veterinary orthopedics.
• Locking plates are commonly employed for fracture fixation in canine limb surgeries.
• Understanding construct failure is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the radiographic findings and outcomes of construct failure following CCWO with locking plates in dogs.
• To identify common failure patterns and complications associated with CCWO in canine patients.
• To evaluate the efficacy of revision surgery for addressing construct failure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records and radiographs of dogs experiencing construct failure after CCWO.
• Analysis of signalment, surgical history, implant type, and time to failure.
• Radiographic assessment of tibial plateau angle (TPA) and cortical alignment pre- and post-revision.
• Documentation of clinical outcomes and complications following revision surgery.

Main Results:

• Ten dogs met inclusion criteria, all initially treated with CCWO using locking implants.
• Median time from surgery to construct failure was 10 days (range: 4-87 days).
• Nine proximal tibial fractures and one case of screw loosening with loss of reduction were identified.
• Nine of ten cases underwent surgical revision, with 90% achieving good short-term outcomes (no or mild lameness).

Conclusions:

• Construct failure is a recognized complication of CCWO using locking plates in dogs.
• Surgical revision is frequently required but generally leads to favorable outcomes.
• Further research is needed to elucidate specific risk factors and the incidence of CCWO construct failure.