Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy Plate Contouring and Proximal Load Screw Angulation Affect Osteotomy Compression.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of contouring a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plate, the associated angulation of the dynamic compression plate (DCP) hole relative to the long axis of the tibia, and angulation of the screw relative to the DCP hole on the osteotomy compression generated by load screws in a TPLO model. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical study. STUDY POPULATION: Polyoxymethylene (POM) rod and synthetic cortical bone substitute model (n = 9). METHODS: The distal portion of a Slocum TPLO plate was attached to a horizontally positioned POM rod that was connected to a load cell. A segment of synthetic cortical bone substitute was attached to the end mount of the testing frame and adjusted to conform to the angle of the proximal portion of the TPLO plate. A 3.5 mm cortical bone screw was inserted in the proximal DCP hole and tightened to 1.5 Nm. The peak longitudinal load (N) was recorded. Screw insertion and data collection were repeated for proximal plate angles of 0-40° at 5° increments. RESULTS: A significant increase in the compression generated was observed as the plate angle was increased from 0° to 10°. The compression ceased to significantly increase until the plate was bent more than 20°, after which a significant decrease in compression was noted. A marked reduction in the compression generated occurred at plate angles greater than 30°. CONCLUSION: Angulation of the DCP hole and screw insertion angle can have deleterious effects on the magnitude of osteotomy compression.

Surgical management of vertebral malformation in a Manx cat.

A 15-week-old Manx kitten was presented for evaluation of progressive hind limb paresis and ataxia. Spinal radiographs and computed tomography revealed a malformation of T3 causing thoracic spinal cord compression. Decompressive surgery consisting of dorsal laminectomy, without vertebral stabilisation, resulted in improvement of clinical signs.

Partial carpal arthrodesis using a medially applied mini-plate in three cats with carpometacarpal hyperextension injury.

Hyperextension injury to the feline carpus usually results in disruption of the palmar ligament support at the level of the carpometacarpal joint. Treatment options include pancarpal or partial carpal arthrodesis. Partial carpal arthrodesis preserves range of motion of the antebrachiocarpal joint, and pronation and supination of the forearm. The surgical technique and three cases of partial carpal arthrodesis using medially applied mini-plates are described. Partial carpal arthrodesis of the feline carpus using medially applied mini-plates may be a safe and effective treatment for hyperextension injury to the carpometacarpal joints.