Effect of a 3.5 mm Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Locking Compression Plate on Serial Postoperative Tibial Plateau Angle Maintenance, Short-Term Osteotomy Healing, and Complication Rates in 45 to 70 kg Dogs.

3.5 mm TPLO plates in 45-70 kg dogs show significant TPA loss and poor early healing.

This retrospective study evaluated the use of a 3.5 mm tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) locking compression plate in dogs weighing 45-70 kg with naturally occurring cranial cruciate ligament disease. The study analyzed serial postoperative tibial plateau angle (TPA) maintenance, osteotomy healing, and complication rates. Results demonstrated a mean TPA loss of 1.9 ± 2.27 degrees between immediate postoperative and 6-week re-evaluation radiographs, which was statistically significant. Patient weight and limb laterality significantly influenced TPA maintenance, with heavier dogs showing greater angle loss (0.144 degrees per kg increase) and left hindlimbs demonstrating greater loss compared to right hindlimbs (2.114 degree difference). Median healing scores were suboptimal at 3/5 (range 2-5), indicating poor short-term osteotomy healing. Complication rates were consistent with previous literature, with 8/36 dogs (22%) experiencing postoperative complications, including 2 cases of surgical site infection. These findings suggest that while the 3.5 mm plate provides adequate fixation for short-term stability, larger dogs in this weight range may experience measurable TPA loss during early healing phases, warranting consideration for plate selection and postoperative management strategies.

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