Influence of Plate Design on the Accuracy of Tibial Alignment after Center of Rotation of Angulation-Based Leveling Osteotomy in Toy-Breed Dogs

Abstract

The center of rotation of angulation-based leveling osteotomy (CBLO) has been introduced for the stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in small-breed dogs. This technique can be applied to the tibia without damaging its tuberosity. Although different designs of CBLO plates are available, tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plates have been still used for stabilization during CBLO. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have reported the effects of TPLO plates on the postoperative limb alignment after CBLO. Therefore, the present study (January 2020 to February 2021) aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes (postoperative tibial plateau angle [TPA] and tibial alignment) in patients receiving CBLO and TPLO plates during CBLO. Paired stifle joints (n = 16) were obtained from eight toy-breed cadaver dogs (mean weight, 4.4 kg) that underwent CBLO. The joints were randomly assigned to receive the CBLO (CBLO group) or TPLO plates (TPLO group). Pre-and postoperative radiographs were obtained, and the dissected tibiae were evaluated. The following postoperative parameters were compared to evaluate the surgical outcome: TPA, osteotomy location, mechanical medial proximal tibia angle, inter-segment gap, and tibial plateau translation. No significant differences were found in the postoperative alignment between the two groups. Therefore, TPLO plates may be considered as a viable alternative in toy-breed dogs undergoing CBLO.