Double plating technique for fixing tibial plateau leveling osteotomy and modified cranial closing wedge ostectomy of the tibia in a dog with cranial cruciate ligament disease and excessive plateau angle: case report

Abstract

Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) associated to cranial wedge closing ostectomy (CCWO) has been one of the best options to manage cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease and excessive tibial plateau angle (TPA) in large dogs, however, the complication rate is potentially high. It is believed that a more robust fixation is necessary to stabilize them and decrease the risk of implant failure. A 6-year-old male American Pit Bull, weighing 36kg, with 90-day history of right hind limb lameness, was diagnosed with CCL disease. Due to the excessive tibial plateau angle (42°), TPLO was associated with a modified CCWO using a double plating technique. A final TPA of 12⁰ was accomplished, and a restricted level of exercises and physiotherapy were recommended. The patient was followed monthly until the fifth month postoperatively, when radiographic bone consolidation and no lameness were observed. By the date of this submission, 3 years after the procedure, the owner has reported no complications. The double plating technique for fixing TPLO and modified CCWO proved to be effective for the treatment of CrCL deficiency in a large dog with an excessive TPA.