Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for fibular fracture in dogs after TPLO surgery
By Taylor, Jim et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2011·Veterinary Surgical Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Risk factors for fibular fracture after TPLO.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs that had surgery to repair a torn knee ligament (TPLO) were studied to find out what might increase the risk of a fibular fracture (a break in the bone near the knee). It was found that dogs with a hole drilled in their fibula during surgery were ten times more likely to have a fracture compared to those without the hole. Additionally, heavier dogs were also at a higher risk for fractures. Understanding these risk factors can help veterinarians make better decisions during surgery and post-operative care to prevent complications.
People also search for: dog TPLO surgery complications · fibular fracture in dogs · risk factors for dog bone fractures
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) risk factors for fibular fracture after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and (2) if a single postoperative radiographic measurement or measurement ratio of the proximal tibial fragment can be used as a predictor for fibular fracture. STUDY DESIGN: Multivariate retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=326) with cranial cruciate ligament rupture that had TPLO (n=355). METHODS: Medical records (January 2004-November 2007) and radiographs of dogs that had TPLO were reviewed. TPLO plate type, distance between tibial plateau and proximal screw, proximodistal tibial plateau fragment length, tibial plateau width, the presence of a fibular drill hole filled with a screw or not, and fibular fractures were recorded. RESULTS: The odds of having a fibular fracture were 10 times greater in dogs with a fibular drill hole than in dogs without a drill hole. The odds of having a fibular fracture were 1.46 times greater for every 4.5 g increase in body weight. Tibial plateau angle (TPA) at the time of reevaluation was larger than the postoperative TPA and TPA increase was larger in dogs with fibular drill holes than without (P<.01) and in dogs with fibular fractures than without (P<.01). CONCLUSION: An unfilled fibular drill hole and increased body weight are risk factors for fibular fracture.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21699551/