Abstract
Objective To compare angled dynamic compression holes in a tibial plateau levelling osteotomy
(TPLO) plate to a commercially available TPLO plate in an ovine cadaveric model.
Study Design Ovine tibias (40 bones) were mounted on a custom-made securement device and radiopaque
markers were placed to aid radiographic measurements. A standard TPLO procedure was
performed on each tibia with either a custom-made six-hole 3.5 mm angled compression
hole plate (APlate) or a six-hole 3.5 mm standard commercial plate (SPlate). Radiographs
were obtained before and after tightening of the cortical screws and evaluated by
an observer blinded to the plate. Measurements of cranio-caudal displacement (CDisplacement),
proximo-distal displacement (PDisplacement) in relation to the long axis of the tibia,
and change in tibial plateau angle (TPA) were determined.
Results CDisplacement was significantly greater in APlate (median 0.85 mm, Q1-Q3: 0.575-1.325 mm)
compared to SPlate (median 0.00 mm, Q1-Q3: -0.35-0.50 mm, p < 0.0001). There were
no significant differences in the PDisplacement (median 0.55 mm, Q1-Q3: 0.075-1.00 mm,
p = 0.5066) or TPA change (median -0.50°, Q1-Q3: -1.225-0.25°, p = 0.1846) between
the two plate types.
Conclusion APlate increases cranially directed displacement of the osteotomy in a TPLO procedure
without causing TPA change. The reduced interfragmentary distance across the whole
osteotomy could improve osteotomy healing compared to standard commercial TPLO plates.
Keywords
Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy - Dynamic Compression Plate - Dog - Tibia
