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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Risk factors associated with fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy.

By Tuttle, Trent A & Manley, Paul A·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2009·Department of Surgical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed

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Species:
dog
Movement & jointsDogs

Plain-English summary

A group of dogs that underwent a surgery called tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) had a small chance (5.4%) of developing a fibular fracture afterward. Factors that increased this risk included being heavier, having a higher angle of the tibial plateau before surgery, and not using a special tool called a jig during the procedure. Fortunately, these fractures are rare, and most occurred while the dogs were recovering. It's important for pet owners to be aware of these risks when considering TPLO surgery for their dog.

People also search for: dog TPLO surgery risks · fibular fracture after TPLO · dog recovery from TPLO surgery · TPLO surgery complications

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: TPLO (n=168) on 142 dogs. METHODS: Medical records (January 2006-September 2007) and radiographs of all dogs that had TPLO were reviewed. Data retrieved were breed, sex, age, weight, type of plate, use of a jig, time to recheck, preoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA), immediate postoperative TPA, and presence or absence of fibular fracture. RESULTS: Fibular fractures occurred in 5.4% TPLOs. Body weight, change in TPA, and preoperative TPA were significantly higher in dogs with fibular fracture. TPLO without use of a jig was significantly associated with fibular fracture. Age, postoperative TPA, and plate type were not significantly associated with fibular fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Fibular fracture is uncommon after TPLO. Risk factors are increased body weight, greater preoperative TPA, greater change in TPA, and TPLO performed without a jig. All fractures occurred during convalescence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Owners should be warned of potential complications and risk factors associated for fibular fracture after TPLO.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19573099/