Postoperative tibial plateau angle changes and their influence on ground reaction forces 6 months after TPLO: a prospective study.

Lower TPA at 6 months post-TPLO correlates with more symmetrical hindlimb gait mechanics.

This prospective study evaluated 60 dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease treated with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), measuring tibial plateau angle (TPA) changes and their correlation with postoperative outcomes. TPA measurements were obtained immediately post-operatively and at 6 months using three independent observers, demonstrating excellent interobserver reliability. Outcome assessment included lameness scoring, owner questionnaires, and gait analysis via ground reaction force measurements. The mean TPA change was minimal (0.22 ± 0.75°), with no significant variation between observers. Notably, while no association existed between TPA change and overall outcome measures, multivariate analysis revealed that absolute TPA values at 6 months significantly influenced symmetry index of peak vertical force—lower TPAs correlated with more symmetrical hindlimb gait. The study demonstrated minimal post-operative TPA change over 6 months, contradicting previous reports suggesting substantial angle changes. These findings suggest that while surgical reduction in TPA influences functional gait mechanics, the stability of TPA correction following TPLO may be more reliable than previously documented.

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