Radiographic Healing following Stabilization of Cranial Cruciate Ligament-Deficient Stifles with a Cora-Based Leveling Osteotomy, Bone Plate/Headless Compression Screw, Augmented with a Tension Band

Introduction: A complication reported after TPLO or CBLO is a shift in TPA during healing, resulting in an increase in the tibial plateau slope and delayed healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate TPA shift and time to osseous union following stabilization of cranial crucial ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifles, with a cora-based leveling osteotomy (CBLO) bone plate/headless compression screw (HCS) augmented with a tension band. We hypothesized that augmentation with a tension band will improve osseous healing and prevent TPA shift.

Materials and Methods: Medical records of 21 dogs (22 stifles) with CrCL injury managed with a bone plate/HCS augmented with a tension band were reviewed. Preoperative TPA, postoperative TPA and final TPA at 5 weeks postoperatively were documented. Degree of osseous healing was judged using a previously described scale. Breed, age and weight were recorded for each case as well as arthroscopic evaluation of the integrity of the CrCL, CaCL, medial and lateral menisci, and appearance of articular cartilage.

Results: All dogs (22 stifles) met the inclusion criteria. Both sexes and 10 breeds were represented. Mean age was 6 years; mean weight was 30 kg. All stifles had complete CrCL rupture. Mean preTPA was 29°, mean postTPA was 8.5°, and mean final TPA was 8.5°. Osseous union of the osteotomy at a mean time of 35 days was graded as 4 in 18 stifles (82%) and Grade 3 in 4 stifles (18%).

Discussion/Conclusion: CBLO using a bone plate/HCS combination augmented with a tension band wire fixation maintains the TPA and decreases time to osseous union.

Acknowledgement: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).