Modular guided tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy improves osteotomy centering accuracy compared to a freehand...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Surgical Innovation
• Biomechanical Engineering

Background:

• Tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is a common procedure in veterinary orthopedics.
• Achieving optimal accuracy in TPLO is crucial for successful outcomes.
• Traditional freehand methods may be subject to variability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of modular guided TPLO versus traditional freehand TPLO.
• To evaluate the influence of surgeon experience on guided and freehand TPLO accuracy.
• To determine if modular guides improve TPLO centering and accuracy in multiple planes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled experimental study involving 8 surgical trainees.
• Each trainee performed 18 TPLOs on bone models (guided and freehand).
• Osteotomies were analyzed for centering and angulation accuracy compared to planned targets.

Main Results:

• Guided TPLO showed significantly improved centering accuracy compared to freehand (P = .005).
• Guided osteotomies had a lower difference in frontal plane angulation (P = .042).
• No statistically significant association was found between surgeon experience and osteotomy accuracy for either method.

Conclusions:

• Modular guidance systems enhance the centering accuracy of TPLO.
• Current modular guides do not significantly improve sagittal or frontal plane accuracy.
• Guidance systems may offer benefits for surgeons across different experience levels.