Long-Term Radiographic Stability of Tibial Plateau Angle Following TPLO in Small-Breed Dogs: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Orthopedics
• Canine Surgery
• Biomechanical Analysis

Background:

• Cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) is a prevalent orthopedic issue in dogs.
• Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) is the standard surgical treatment for CCLD.
• Limited long-term radiographic data exist on tibial plateau angle (TPA) stability post-TPLO in small-breed dogs (<10 kg).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the radiographic correction and long-term stability of TPA after TPLO in small-breed dogs.
• To assess if TPA changes post-TPLO fall within the range of measurement error.
• To determine the effectiveness of TPLO in small-breed dogs regarding TPA stability.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 30 stifles from 25 small-breed dogs (<10 kg) that underwent TPLO.
• Radiographic measurements of TPA were taken preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, at 1-2 months, and at ≥6 months.
• Digital orthopedic planning software was used for TPA measurements; statistical analysis assessed changes and correlations.

Main Results:

• Preoperative mean TPA was 31.23°, reduced to 4.68° immediately post-TPLO, and was 5.19° at ≥6 months.
• The mean change in TPA (ΔTPA) was 0.52°, which was statistically significant but below the 1.5° intraobserver measurement error.
• No correlation was found between body weight and ΔTPA, and results remained stable in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions:

• TPLO provides effective and radiographically stable TPA correction in small-breed dogs.
• The achieved TPA stability post-TPLO in small dogs is within acceptable measurement variability.
• TPLO is a reliable surgical procedure for managing CCLD in small-breed dogs, ensuring long-term tibial plateau stability.